Open AccessA case of maternal varicella: Expected role of primary care physicians in confirming immune status for varicella in women at childbearing age
Author(s) -
Nishihara Yuji,
Hase Ryota
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of general and family medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2189-7948
DOI - 10.1002/jgf2.291
Subject(s) - medicine , chickenpox , measles , pregnancy , pediatrics , gestation , rubella , varicella zoster virus , immunity , primary care , immunology , immune system , virus , vaccination , family medicine , genetics , biology
At 19‐week gestation, a 32‐year‐old Japanese woman presented with a 3‐day history of fever and vesicular rashes on the skin and was diagnosed with varicella, which resolved after antiviral therapy. In the primary clinic, her immunity to rubella and measles, but not to varicella, was confirmed at preconception counseling. Maternal varicella infection can cause congenital varicella syndrome characterized by congenital malformations and neurological deficits. This case recommends that all women of childbearing age should be assessed for immunity to varicella before pregnancy and that primary care physicians should take initiatives for preventing maternal varicella.