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Rubella non-immunity — DRCOG MCQ

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HardAntenatal CareRubella non-immunityDRCOG

At 16 weeks, a woman with no history of chickenpox has a household exposure to a child with chickenpox yesterday. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: D — Arrange susceptibility testing and consider post-exposure prophylaxis

The best answer is “Arrange susceptibility testing and consider post-exposure prophylaxis”. A susceptible pregnant person exposed to varicella needs timely assessment through the maternity or specialist pathway because post-exposure prophylaxis may be indicated. Live varicella vaccine is not used during pregnancy. Waiting for symptoms can miss the relevant prophylaxis window, while antibiotics do not prevent primary varicella infection.

Reference: RCOG Green-top Guideline No. 13: Chickenpox in Pregnancy: https://www.rcog.org.uk/guidance/browse-all-guidance/green-top-guidelines/chickenpox-in-pregnancy-green-top-guideline-no-13/