For many years, the mysterious phenomenon known as sudden infant death syndrome has been one of the leading causes of death for children under the age of 1. About 2,000 infants per year die of SIDS in the U.S., and more than 200 in Britain. To date, medical researchers haven't been able to determine a cause, though many have been considered, including infant sleep positions. However, at long last, British researchers now say they may have found a cause--common bacteria--which contribute to SIDS deaths. A new study published in The Lancet found potentially harmful bacterial such as staphylococcus aureus and E. coli in almost half of all babies who died abruptly and unexpectedly at a London hospital between 1996 and 2005.
To learn more about the study:
- read this USA Today article