This cohort study examines medical records of 33 neonates born to women with COVID-19 to provide information on maternal-child transmission and infant outcomes. Consistent with previous studies, the authors report mild clinical symptoms and outcomes among these infants.

In order to provide information on early-onset COVID-19 infection in newborns, this study examined data from all neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 from Wuhan Children’s Hospital, in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The authors extracted demographic, epidemiologic, clinical data from the medical records system.

They identified 33 neonates born to mothers with COVID-19, including 3 neonates with COVID-19. The most common symptom was shortness of breath (4 of 33 neonates). Radiographic findings were nonspecific. No deaths were reported.

The authors conclude that vertical maternal-fetal transmission cannot be ruled out in this cohort, so it is crucial to screen pregnant women and implement strict infection control measures, quarantine of infected mothers, and close monitoring of neonates at risk of COVID-19.