MERS-CoV Infection in a Pregnant Woman in Korea

Jeong, Soo Young; Sung, Se In; Sung, Ji-Hee; Ahn, So Yoon; Kang, Eun-Suk; Chang, Yun Sil; Park, Won Soon; Kim, Jong-Hwa

On May 27, 2015, the patient's mother was exposed to the 14th MERS patient, had a fever starting from June 3 and was diagnosed with MERS on June 7. While febrile, she had been in close contact with her daughter, a 39-year-old pregnant woman (gravida 2 para 1). On June 8 (35 weeks and 4 days of gestational age [GA]), this pregnant woman visited the emergency room complaining of mild myalgia. Based on this contact history with a MERS patient and her symptoms, a MERS-CoV PCR test was performed and the result was found to be positive on June 9. Starting from June 9, the patient developed dyspnea and sputum production. Although chest auscultation was normal, the oxygen saturation (SpO2) was 95% in room air and chest radiography showed diffuse opacity in the left lower lung area compared to a previously obtained radiographic image. The laboratory findings included a leukocyte count of 5,570/mm 3 (normal range 4,000-10,000/mm 3 ), with a differential of 71.4% segmented neutrophils, 20.5% lymphocytes, and 7.9% monocytes; and C-reactive protein level of 1.95 mg/ dL (normal range 0-0.3 mg/dL). She was given supplemental oxygen for hypoxia and conservative treatment, with hydration and pain control. The antiviral agents used in other severe MERS-CoV patients were not used in this patient, because her symptoms and laboratory findings were not severe. Also, there was no evidence of any potential harm to the fetus and pregnant woman related to those drugs. After several days, her dyspnea and myalgia improved. The SpO2 was 98% in room air and chest radiography showed interval improvement. On June 19 and 21, MERS-CoV PCR was performed and the results were negative. She had no symptoms related to MERS.