AUTHOR=Jan Sophia , Katz Robert , Fagan David , Santos Telmo , Beachy Joanna C. , Steinway Caren , Chen Jack , Tsouristakis Alina , Mancenido Briana , Leung Christy , Moore Emily , Wilson Estelle , Lin Lorna , Harte Michael , Katzow Michelle , Rubin Lorry G. 

TITLE=Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in newborns born to SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers at 2 weeks of life

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pediatrics

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pediatrics/articles/10.3389/fped.2024.1381104

DOI=10.3389/fped.2024.1381104

ISSN=2296-2360

ABSTRACT=Introduction: Limited evidence exists on management recommendations for neonates born to SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers. This study looked at transmission risk of neonates presenting for primary care in a large regional health system within New York during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.This was prospective, observational study of newborns of SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers presenting at any of the 19 Northwell Health-Cohen Children's Medical Center (CCMC) primary care practices who underwent another oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swab for detection of SARS-CoV-2 by DOL 14.Results: Among 293 newborns of SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers that were negative at birth, 222 were retested at 14 days of life, corresponding to times with different predominant strains. Of these, 7 tested positive but had no symptoms.The overall low transmission rates and absence of symptomatic infection support the safety of direct breastfeeding after hospital discharge with appropriate hand and breast hygiene.