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ABOG is proud to partner with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide our diplomates with vital, up-to-date health resources and updates. This collaboration is designed to enhance the dissemination of critical public health information, ensuring that our diplomates have access to the latest guidelines, research, and best practices in obstetrics and gynecology.

 

By leveraging the expertise and resources of the CDC, we are committed to supporting our diplomates in delivering the highest standards of care to their patients.

 

 

 

Infectious Diseases


Oropouche Virus

Oropouche virus disease typically presents with fever and other symptoms such as headache, myalgia, arthralgia, retro-orbital pain, or generalized rash. The virus is transmitted primarily by biting midges with most cases seen in parts of South and Central America and the Caribbean. Vertical transmission may result in pregnancy loss or congenital anomalies for those who are infected during pregnancy and clinicians should be aware of this for patients who have been in areas with possible Oropouche virus transmission. 

 

Dengue Virus

Dengue virus disease is a mosquito-borne illness that presents typically as a febrile disease that can range in severity. Dengue cases are seen in tropical and subtropical regions globally. Treatment is supportive in nature and perinatal transmission is possible.

 

 

Measles Virus

Measles is a vaccine-preventable, highly contagious, viral illness that is spread through respiratory droplets. This disease typically presents as an acute fever, the 3 C’s (cough, coryza and conjunctivitis) and malaise followed by a maculopapular rash that spreads from head to toe. Pregnancy is a risk factor for more severe illness from measles including pneumonia and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and preterm birth. In those that are susceptible to disease and exposed, post-exposure prophylaxis with IV immunoglobulin is recommended. Treatment is supportive in nature and perinatal transmission is possible.

 

 

Syphilis

Syphilis during pregnancy has dramatically increased in recent years. CDC findings highlight the serious risks of leaving syphilis untreated:

 

  • Associated with 4 times more stillbirths, a 1.6 times greater risk of NICU admission, and 1.5 times higher likelihood with low birth weight.
  • Approximately 40% of pregnant women with syphilis were inadequately treated (including incomplete treatment, not timely, or not a recommended treatment type) or not treated for syphilis during pregnancy.
  • Individuals facing complicated life experiences such as substance use, limited access to health care, or housing instability were more likely to be untreated or inadequately treated.

 

Prompt identification and treatment of syphilis during pregnancy are critical for the health of both the mother and baby. Early testing and quicker turnaround for diagnosis and treatment are critical to ensure adequate care is initiated at least 30 days before delivery, as recommended to prevent congenital syphilis. Every health care encounter during pregnancy is a vital opportunity for screening and treatment. Expanding syphilis care beyond traditional prenatal settings, including in emergency rooms, substance use treatment facilities, correctional facilities, and shelters, can help reach more at-risk individuals.

 

 

The information provided is only intended to be a general summary information to the public and does not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

 

Last Updated: May 12, 2025