The role of the obstetrician-gynecologist in emerging infectious diseases: monkeypox and pregnancy

Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Apr;103(4):754-6. doi: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000114987.76424.6d.

Abstract

Early in June 2003, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced yet another unique infectious disease outbreak, the first evidence of community-acquired monkeypox in the United States. By July 8, 2003, a total of 71 cases had been reported to CDC from 6 states. When emerging infectious diseases are reported in the United States, particularly when these reports receive widespread media attention, obstetrician-gynecologists may be called upon to rapidly respond to queries from their patients and to address certain infectious disease risks within their clinical practices. In addition, obstetrician-gynecologists may have specific concerns about the implications for an infectious disease outbreak, such as monkeypox, for pregnant women. Therefore, it is important that obstetrician-gynecologists know how to gather up-to-date and accurate information about infectious disease outbreaks and that they be familiar with the public health response system for responding to such outbreaks.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / prevention & control*
  • Disease Notification
  • Female
  • Gynecology*
  • Humans
  • Mpox (monkeypox) / prevention & control*
  • Obstetrics*
  • Physician's Role*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / prevention & control*