Pregnant mothers should be more cautious these days, as contracting the Chikungunya virus can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth, says Dr. Prabodhana Ranaweera, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology at Zoysa Women’s Hospital.
Dr. Ranaweera explains that if a mother contracts the virus and gives birth within 2 to 7 days of the onset of symptoms, the impact on the baby can be severe. The virus can cause brain infections in up to 50 percent of affected newborns.
Since the virus can pass from the mother to the baby through the placenta, it poses a serious risk to the baby’s health, especially during late pregnancy. In some cases, even when the mother shows no symptoms, the baby can still be infected through the umbilical cord. Tests may later reveal the presence of the virus in the child.
However, Dr. Ranaweera emphasizes that while the virus typically does not pose a serious threat to the mother’s life, there is no need for unnecessary fear. Medical professionals are well-equipped to manage its effects on newborns.
