Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

November 10, 2020

Characteristics and Outcomes of Neonatal SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the UK: A Prospective National Cohort Study Using Active Surveillance

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A national prospective study in the UK found low incidence (5.6 per 10,000 live births) of neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of the 66 babies identified with SARS-CoV-2 during the study period, 17 (26%) babies were born to mothers with known perinatal SARS-CoV-2 infection, and only 2 (3%) were considered to have possible vertically acquired infection. The authors indicate that these findings support guidelines to avoid separating mother and baby after birth in situations where the mother has suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Gale et al. (Nov 9, 2020). Characteristics and Outcomes of Neonatal SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the UK: A Prospective National Cohort Study Using Active Surveillance. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(20)30342-4