A thorough physical examination of the newborn should
be conducted, including careful measurement of the infant's head
circumference, length, weight, and assessment of gestational age. |
The newborn should be evaluated carefully for
neurologic abnormalities, dysmorphic features, splenomegaly,
hepatomegaly, and rash or other skin lesions. Any rash, skin lesions,
or dysmorphic features should be photographed. If an abnormality is
noted, consultation with an appropriate specialist is recommended. |
Infant serum should be obtained within 2 days of birth
and at about age 8 weeks to test for IgM and IgG antibody to WNV. Free
testing of samples by CDC can be arranged by contacting state public
health laboratories. |
A newborn hearing screen should be completed by evoked
otoacoustic emissions testing or auditory brainstem response testing,
either before discharge from the hospital or within 1 month after
birth. Infants who fail the initial hearing screen should be referred
to an audiologist for further evaluation. |
Initial examination of the placenta by a pathologist is
encouraged. Regardless of whether this is done, the entire placenta, a
sample of umbilical cord tissue, and a sample of serum from the
umbilical cord should be retained for further evaluation if congenital
WNV infection is identified or strongly suspected. A section of the
placenta and umbilical cord should be frozen, and the remainder of the
placenta should be preserved in formalin; a sample of umbilical cord
blood should be centrifuged, and the serum should be refrigerated or
frozen. |