Transmission of COVID-19 From an Asymptomatic Mother to Fetus Leading to Death of Neonate From Pneumonia

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has rarely impacted neonates. When infection does occur, it is typically asymptomatic. We describe a case of a neonate born to a 25-year-old mother who was COVID-19 positive but asymptomatic. An emergent cesarean section was performed during week 30 of gestation due to category three fetal heart tracings. The neonate, unfortunately, died on the day of life 12 from respiratory distress secondary to severe COVID-19 pneumonia. This is an important case that illustrates the deleterious impact COVID-19 infection can have on neonates. It is a unique case of the compassionate use of remdesivir for a neonate. The patient's respiratory decline soon after birth, lends support that the virus responsible for COVID-19 can be transmitted vertically.