Herpes zoster during pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology

Background:

• Herpes zoster (shingles) during pregnancy is an uncommon clinical occurrence.
• Varicella-zoster virus reactivation can pose risks to both mother and fetus.

Observation:

• A case of a pregnant woman at 37 weeks gestation presenting with herpes zoster is detailed.
• The maternal condition was managed, and pregnancy proceeded to term.

Findings:

• The patient delivered a healthy infant 3 weeks after the onset of herpes zoster.
• A 6-month follow-up confirmed the infant experienced no adverse sequelae.
• Literature review supports a generally favorable prognosis for infants with in utero exposure.

Implications:

• Herpes zoster in late pregnancy may not necessarily lead to adverse infant outcomes.
• Early recognition and management are crucial for optimizing maternal and fetal health.
• This case adds to the evidence supporting favorable outcomes for infants exposed to varicella-zoster virus in utero.