Congenital Infection Program

Contact number | 202-476-7409

One-of-a-Kind Program

We are one of the first comprehensive congenital infection programs in the country, dedicated to providing care during and after your pregnancy.

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When you are pregnant, your greatest priority is protecting the health of your baby. A congenital infection is caused by a virus or bacteria. The infection is passed to the baby during pregnancy or may be in the birth canal during delivery.

If you are concerned about a congenital infection and wonder whether your child could be affected, turn to the experts in the Congenital Infection Program at Children’s National Hospital.

Choosing Children’s National for Congenital Infection Care

Children’s National is home to one of the first specialized programs for congenital infections in the region, and we are dedicated to providing your child with the best possible care.

Highlights of our program include:

Unparalleled expertise and care. Our team of experts provide expecting families with a comprehensive diagnosis and care plan. As one of the first comprehensive specialty programs in the country, we have the right team and expertise to ensure that you receive quality care and treatment. Meet our team.
Innovative research that can help your child. Our program, a collaboration between the Prenatal Pediatrics Institute and Division of Infectious Disease, is led by Sarah B. Mulkey, M.D., Ph.D., and Roberta DeBiasi, M.D., two of the foremost experts in their fields. Together, they lead a team of physicians and scientists who are involved in ongoing research working toward furthering understanding the impact of congenital infections on the developing brain.
Seamless process with support services. Our program’s specialists are here to provide you and your doctor with an accurate and streamlined diagnosis and management plan. In addition, our compassionate care coordinators will work closely with you to streamline testing and schedule follow-up tests as needed.

Our program evaluates the following congenital infections:
- Chagas
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
- Enterovirus
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
- HIV/AIDS
- Lyme
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)
- Malaria
- New emerging threats, such as COVID-19
- Parvovirus B19
- Rubella
- Serious bacterial infection or other viral infection in the mother, including
- seasonal influenza
- Syphilis
- Toxoplasmosis
- Zika virus
Congenital infections are likely under-recognized because they are not always evaluated for in every pregnancy. Some congenital infections can be treated and you should contact us if you:
- Have a diagnosed congenital infection during your pregnancy or in your baby after birth
- Have a concern that your baby may have a congenital infection that has not been diagnosed
- Have had a serious viral (i.e. seasonal influenza or COVID-19) or bacterial infection during pregnancy
Contact your primary care provider or seek care right away if you are currently pregnant, and have a serious bacterial or other viral infection. Our program can evaluate the health of your baby for all types of congenital infections after you get well. Prior to your consultation, you should be free of symptoms and without fever.

Contact Information

For questions about the Congenital Infection Program or if you have been exposed to a congenital infection, please call 202-476-7409 or email us.