Infant mortality is one of the most widely used indicators of the overall health status of a community. Infant mortality is the death of a baby within the first year of life. The infant mortality rate in Marathon County is decreasing and is lower than the state and nation. Congenital malformations, deformations & chromosomal abnormalities remain the leading causes of infant death in recent years. Other causes include preterm and low birth weight, pregnancy complications, accidents, and unsafe sleep environments as a contributing factor in a death. Infant death is more common if the mother is younger than 25.

Child mortality is the death of a child aged 1-17. Losing a child affects the immediate families and the broader community. Child mortality in Marathon County is trending upward at this time. Leading causes of child death include accidents (unintentional injuries) and birth defects. 

Overall, Marathon County infant and child mortality is lower than the state and nation. While not all infant and child deaths are preventable, it is important to look at how deaths can be prevented when possible.