Severe 2009 H1N1 Influenza in Pregnant and Postpartum Women in California

Pregnant women are at increased risk for clinically significant complications associated with influenza infection. This study analyzed data reported for 239 women of reproductive age who were hospitalized with 2009 H1N1 influenza in California between April 23 and August 11, 2009; 94 were pregnant and 8 were postpartum. Intensive care was required in 18 pregnant women and 4 postpartum women, and 8 died. Infection with the 2009 H1N1 virus can cause significant morbidity and mortality in pregnant and postpartum women. This study analyzed data reported for 239 women of reproductive age who were hospitalized with 2009 H1N1 influenza; 94 were pregnant, and 8 were postpartum. Infection with the 2009 H1N1 virus can cause significant morbidity and mortality in pregnant and postpartum women. As in previous influenza epidemics and pandemics, pregnant women with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) appear to have an increased risk of severe disease. 1 – 7 From April 23 to August 11, 2009, a total of 10% of the 1088 patients who were hospitalized with or died from 2009 H1N1 influenza, as reported to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), were pregnant. 8 A recent report from the first month of the outbreak noted that the rate of hospitalization among pregnant women was approximately four times the rate in the general population. 5 This report describes the clinical course of the disease . . .