African-American infant death rate soars in the county
By JEFF HORSEMAN, Staff Writer

African-American babies were four times more likely to die in the first year of life than white infants in 2003, a new county health report card shows.

While the 23 African-American infant deaths remained a relatively small number, county health officials are at a loss to explain the disparity.

Health Officer Frances B. Phillips told the County Council on Monday that she isn't sure if the 66 percent jump from 2002 was a one-year aberration or a more troubling trend.

"It's going to take a lot of investigation," she said. "We want to make sure we're looking at an adequate number."