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Q.

Is a woman's pregnancy at risk if she gets West Nile virus?

Related Topics: Pregnancy, West Nile Virus
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A.

There is no clear evidence that a pregnancy is at risk due to infection with West Nile virus. However, the CDC states that in 2002, one case of transplacental (mother-to-child) transmission of West Nile virus was reported. In this case, the infant was born with West Nile virus infection and severe medical problems. In 2003 and 2004, a CDC registry identified 77 women who acquired West Nile virus illness while pregnant. Seventy-one of these women delivered live infants, two had elective abortions, and four miscarried in the first trimester.

Due to concerns that mother-to-child West Nile virus transmission can occur, the CDC recommends that pregnant women take precautions to reduce their risk for West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne infections. Pregnant women who become ill should see their health-care provider, and those who have an illness consistent with acute West Nile virus infection should undergo appropriate diagnostic testing.

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