Work

Primary Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection Complicating the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Varicella-zoster virus, colloquially known as chickenpox in the United States, complicating pregnancy has become a rare diagnosis following the introduction of the varicella-zoster vaccine. Despite a lower incidence of chickenpox than in the past, those providing prenatal care should keep a high index of suspicion for varicella-zoster among patients presenting with a vesicular rash and no history of having received the varicella-zoster vaccine. This report reviews the case of a 28-year-old gravida three at 35 weeks gestation who presented with concern for a full-body vesicular rash and pruritus. The evaluation, diagnosis, and medical management of varicella-zoster infection in pregnancy are discussed.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.103060

Authors: Marcos Sosa, Abigail I Bagdasaryants, Alwyn J Mathew, Jacqueline Q Sosa

Institutions: Houston Methodist, Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas

Language: English

Topic: Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7127892855