Emergency cesarean section in an epidemic of the middle east respiratory syndrome: a case report

Abstract

Only a few reports have been published on women with an infectious respiratory viral pathogen, such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) Coronavirus delivering a baby. A laboratory confirmed case of MERS was reported during a MERS outbreak in the Republic of Korea in a woman at gestational week 35 + 4. She recovered, and delivered a healthy baby by emergency cesarean section (C-sec). We present the clinical course and the emergency C-sec in a pregnant woman with MERS.

Keywords: Cesarean section; Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus; Pregnant women.

Fig. 1. Chest X-ray performed on day 2 of hospital admission, showing patchy opacity in both lower lung lobes.

Fig. 2. All medical staff used enhanced personal protective equipment, including an N95 mask, surgical cap, double gown, double gloves, shoe covers, and a powered air-purifying respirator during operative procedures.

Fig. 3. Vision and movement are limited with personal protective equipment. An experienced senior anesthesiologist performed the combined spinal-epidural anesthesia.