Is a womans pregnancy at risk if she gets infected with West Nile virus?
A. There is one documented case of transplacental (mother-to-child) transmission of WNV in a human. Although the newborn in this case was infected with WNV at birth and had severe medical problems, it is unknown whether the WNV infection itself caused these problems or whether they were coincidental. More research will be needed to improve our understanding of the relationship – if any – between WNV infection and adverse birth outcomes.Nevertheless, pregnant women should take precautions to reduce their risk for WNV and other arboviral infections by avoiding mosquitoes, using protective clothing, and using repellents containing DEET (See Using Repellent Safely). When WNV transmission is occurring in an area, pregnant women who become ill should see their health care provider, and those whose illness is consistent with acure WNV infection, should undergo appropriate diagnostic testing.See MMWR Dec 20, 2002 for more information.
There is one documented case of transplacental (mother-to-child) transmission of WNV in a human. Although the newborn in this case was infected with WNV at birth and had severe medical problems, it is unknown whether the WNV infection itself caused these problems or whether they were coincidental. More research will be needed to improve our understanding of the relationship – if any – between WNV infection and adverse birth outcomes. Nevertheless, pregnant women should take precautions to reduce their risk for WNV and other arboviral infections by avoiding mosquitoes, using protective clothing, and using repellents containing DEET (see Insect Repellent). When WNV transmission is occurring in an area, pregnant women who become ill should see their health care provider, and those whose illness is consistent with acute West Nile virus infection, should undergo appropriate diagnostic testing.
There is one documented case of West Nile virus being transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy. The child was severely ill at birth, but it is not known whether the problems were related to the infection. Pregnant women should follow standard recommendations to avoid mosquito bites if there is local virus activity. Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt made from tightly-woven, light-colored fabric if you need to be outdoors for an extended period of time, especially in the evening. Also, use an effective mosquito repellent according to the instructions on the label.
Related Questions
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- Is a womans pregnancy at risk if she gets infected with West Nile virus?
- Is a woman’s pregnancy at risk if she contracts West Nile virus?
