Congenital Varicella Syndrome Cases Can be Prevented

The U.S. CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), published on March 11, 2022, presented Notes from the Field: Congenital Varicella Syndrome Case.

A newborn was delivered at 24 weeks' gestation with congenital varicella syndrome after maternal varicella was diagnosed at 12 weeks' gestation in April 2021.

At 22 weeks' gestation, an ultrasound identified many fetal abnormalities; congenital varicella syndrome was confirmed by a positive varicella-zoster virus (VZV) polymerase chain reaction test of the amniotic fluid.

Because the prognosis of the fetus was poor, a decision was made to induce labor.

At delivery, the newborn had a heart rate of 60 beats/minute, an Apgar score of 1, and weighed 526 g; the newborn died approximately 15 minutes after delivery.

The mother, aged 27 years, was born outside the U.S. and had no documented varicella disease or vaccination history. The source of exposure was unknown.

And it is not known whether the mother was assessed for varicella immunity during her previous pregnancy.

This case reaffirms the current CDC's recommendations for preventing varicella that all adults be assessed for varicella immunity.

Furthermore, those who do not have evidence of immunity should receive two doses of the varicella vaccine, with particular emphasis for adult groups at high risk, including nonpregnant women of childbearing age.

The CDC published updated vaccination schedules for 2022 on February 17, 2022.

The Varivax live, attenuated varicella-zoster vaccine is available in the U.S. And the multi-purpose Proquad vaccine also offers protection.

Note: This news post edited CDC information for clarity and was curated for mobile readers.