Piura reports 124 neonatal deaths amid health concerns

The Piura region in Peru has reported 124 neonatal deaths as of October 15, according to data from the Regional Health Directorate. The deaths are distributed across several provinces, including Sullana, Piura, Chulucanas, Paita, Tambogrande, and Sechura.

Statistical analysis of the gestational ages shows that 39% of the deceased were moderate to late preterm infants, 22% were very preterm, and 22% were extremely preterm. Only 17% were not premature.

In the province of Huancabamba, two recent tragedies at the Chulucanas Hospital have drawn attention to the regional healthcare system. In one instance, a baby died in the womb; the 29-year-old mother was admitted to the intensive care unit. In a second case, a newborn with hydrocephaly died minutes after birth due to complications involving the mother’s severe preeclampsia.