The role of the obstetrician-gynecologist in emerging infectious diseases: monkeypox and pregnancy.
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.
Jamieson
Denise J
DJ
National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA. djj0@cdc.gov
Cono
Joanne
J
Richards
Chesley L
CL
Treadwell
Tracee A
TA
D021821:Communicable Diseases, Emerging / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018563:Disease Notification; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology; D006801:Humans; D045908:Mpox, Monkeypox / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009774:Obstetrics; D010819:Physician's Role; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control*