A rare case of neonatal measles: Reevaluating maternal immunity in the vaccination era

Background

Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable viral disease characterized by fever, rash, and respiratory symptoms. While measles is generally rare in neonates due to the protective effect of transplacental maternal antibodies, cases in early infancy can occur, raising concerns about the efficacy of maternal immunity.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 15-day-old male neonate who presented with high-grade fever, maculopapular rash, and respiratory distress. Despite the mother’s vaccination history, the infant was diagnosed with measles through serological testing. The disease progressed rapidly, leading to severe respiratory compromise and significant ocular involvement, requiring intensive care management.

Conclusion

This case underscores potential gaps in neonatal protection, even in infants of vaccinated mothers, suggesting that waning maternal immunity may result in insufficient antibody transfer. It highlights the need for re-evaluating vaccination strategies in women of reproductive age and emphasizes the importance of stringent infection control measures in postpartum care settings to prevent neonatal measles.