Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

The reported prevalence rates of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) vary widely depending on the population studied and the surveillance methods used. For every 1,000 births, it is estimated that one to two children have FAS. In Missouri, this translates to 79 to 158 children born annually with FAS.

Population-based surveillance of FAS is important to document the magnitude of the problem and to monitor trends in the occurrence of this preventable birth defect. In 1997, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established or enhanced state, population-based surveillance of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in several states. In 2003, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services received the FAS Prevention funding to enhance its surveillance efforts.