A 15-week pregnant woman is exposed to a family member with chickenpox.
What is the most appropriate next step?
Advise serial ultrasound scans
Check varicella zoster IgG status
Counsel high risk of congenital varicella syndrome
Give varicella zoster immunoglobulin (VZIg)
Reassure
Explanation:
Despite exposure in the first trimester, the risk of congenital varicella syndrome remains low.
Unlike exposure to Erythrovirus B19, serial ultrasound scans are not recommended.
It is important to elucidate the varicella zoster serostatus of the mother as only if seronegative should varicella zoster IgG be administered. This is provided it is given within 10 days of exposure, the minimum incubation period of chickenpox.