Chikungunya virus infection is a disease transmitted by vectors, in which vertical transmission was described in years 2005-2006. An infection rate up to 49% in neonates born from mothers with active viremia during labor has been observed. Perinatal infection could results in serious complications and potential cognitive impairment.
Objective: To describe a newborn with Chikungunya virus infection secundary to vertical transmission. Clínical case: A female newborn is analyzed. She presented with fever and exanthema during her first week of life, elevation of transaminases and thrombocytopenia. Her mother had had symptoms compatible with chikungunya virus infection on the day of the delivery. Specific IgM antibodies against chikungunya were documented and the diagnosis was confirmed.
Conclusion: Given the high perinatal transmissibility rate of chikungunya virus, this diagnosis should be considered in every newborn child of a mother with suggestive symptoms of chikungunya in the days surrounding delivery.