Prolonged maternal shedding and maternal-fetal transmission of measles virus.

Prolonged measles virus detection in maternal saliva and blood was evidenced in 6 pregnant women. Maternal-fetal transmission was evidenced in 2/4 infants who were asymptomatic at birth, 21-24 weeks after maternal infection. Whereas peripartum congenital measles is severe, asymptomatic measles virus vertical transmission can occur earlier in pregnancy.