P35: Congenital viral diseases

Congenital viral diseases are a group of illnesses that unborn babies acquire while they are still in the womb due to viral infections that the mother contracts during pregnancy. Some of these viruses include rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes, among others. These diseases can be passed to the fetus either through the placenta or at the time of delivery. Depending on the infection, symptoms may vary, but they can include issues with growth, hearing and vision problems, intellectual disabilities, and seizures. Over time, these conditions can progress and impact multiple systems in the body, causing long-term health problems. It's important to note that some infants infected with these viruses may not show any signs or symptoms at birth but might develop them as they grow. The severity and array of symptoms can depend heavily upon the specific virus involved and the time of infection during the pregnancy.