13.12.2024

Emerging Infectious Diseases | 2024

A study published in *Emerging Infectious Diseases* presents a systematic review of avian influenza virus infections and their outcomes during pregnancy, underscoring the heightened risks faced by pregnant women during pandemics. Historically, pregnant women have been recognized as a vulnerable population during infectious disease outbreaks, experiencing higher rates of severe illness and mortality. This review specifically examines the implications of avian influenza, particularly the H5N1 and H5N2 strains, on maternal and fetal health, and emphasizes the necessity for proactive measures to mitigate these risks. The review synthesizes data from various studies that investigated the effects of avian influenza virus infections on pregnant women.
The findings indicate that pregnant women infected with avian influenza are at an increased risk of severe disease, which can result in adverse outcomes such as preterm birth and maternal mortality. Additionally, the review highlights the importance of vaccine development and monitoring systems to safeguard this vulnerable population.