Influenza A virus infection and cardiac arrhythmia during the neonatal period

Influenza virus infection during pregnancy increases the risk of spontaneous abortion, preterm contractions, fetal compromise and early neonatal mortality. We describe a case of fetal and neonatal cardiac arrhythmia coinciding with an influenza A virus infection. Viral RNA was detected in the neonate's nasopharyngeal secretions and also in its serum, indicating influenza viremia. The cardiac arrhythmia resolved spontaneously without antiarrhythmic treatment.