Complications and Management of Asymptomatic Patients with Measles Infection During Pregnancy

Abstract

Measles virus is a member of the family Paramyxoviridae that causes an epidemic disease with worldwide distribution, with the main symptom of this systematic disease being a prodrome of fever and a pathognomonic enanthema (Koplik spots), followed by a maculopapular rash. The rash usually appears about 14 days after the patient’s exposure and even though vaccination has led the virus to be limited to preschool children and young adults, measles infection can cause severe and even fatal complications in adults, pregnant women and immunocomprised patients. The aim of this article is to highlight the dangers of measles outbreak during a possible crucial and hazardous period for both the mother and the fetus, and to suggest possible management and treatment options during gestation.