Possible Vertical Transmission of COVID-19 to the Newborn; a Case Report

Arch Acad Emerg Med. 2020 Nov 14;9(1):e5. doi: 10.22037/aaem.v9i1.923. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Vertical transmission of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), has been reported in case reports and series, while the data regarding its transmission is still not enough. Thus, presenting different experiences form various regions could help better understand the virus behavior in pregnancy. We herein report a possible vertical transmission of COVID-19 from a mother to the neonate. A 41-year-old mother with signs and symptoms of acute respiratory illness presented with labor pain and vaginal leak at 37 weeks of gestation. She tested positive for COVID-19 using RT-PCR and underwent emergency cesarean section delivery and gave birth to a girl neonate. The baby tested positive for the COVID-19. Although vertical transmission of COVID-19 has not been proved yet, but there are several lines of evidences suggesting it. Paying close attention to the mother and newborn with COVID-19 and long-term follow-up are needed for better understanding of the virus in pregnancy.

Keywords: COVID-19; Infant; Infectious Disease Transmission; Newborn; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; Vertical.

Publication types

  • Case Reports