Top 5 Takeaways

1. Increased Risk: Pregnant and recently pregnant women are at higher risk for severe illness and death from COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant women.
2. COVID-19–Associated Deaths: Mississippi reported 15 COVID-19–associated deaths among pregnant women from March 1, 2020, to October 6, 2021.
3. Delta Variant Impact: The ratio of COVID-19–associated deaths per 1,000 SARS-CoV-2 infections increased significantly during the Delta variant predominance.
4. Demographics: The majority of decedents were non-Hispanic Black women, with a median age of 30 years.
5. Vaccination Status: None of the decedents were fully vaccinated against COVID-19, highlighting the importance of vaccination for pregnant women.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Laurin Kasehagen, laurin.kasehagen@msdh.ms.gov

Suggested Citation

Kasehagen L, Byers P, Taylor K, et al. COVID-19–Associated Deaths After SARS-CoV-2 Infection During Pregnancy — Mississippi, March 1, 2020–October 6, 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1646–1648. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7047e2

Summary

This report details 15 COVID-19–associated deaths among pregnant women in Mississippi from March 1, 2020, to October 6, 2021. The study highlights the increased risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 in pregnant women, particularly during the Delta variant predominance. None of the decedents were fully vaccinated, underscoring the importance of COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women.

Methods

The Mississippi State Department of Health identified COVID-19 cases and deaths through mandatory reporting by healthcare providers and hospitals, as well as death certificate reviews. The study assessed the characteristics of the decedents and the timing of infection, comparing periods before and during Delta variant predominance. Poisson 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the death rates.

Discussion

The findings indicate a significant increase in the ratio of COVID-19–associated deaths per 1,000 SARS-CoV-2 infections during the Delta variant predominance. The majority of the decedents were non-Hispanic Black women, and none were fully vaccinated. The study emphasizes the need for increased vaccination efforts among pregnant women, particularly among Black and Hispanic populations, to prevent severe outcomes.

Conclusion

The study concludes that pregnant women are at a higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19, especially during the Delta variant predominance. Vaccination is crucial to prevent severe illness and death in this population. Efforts to address vaccine access and hesitancy among pregnant women, particularly in minority communities, are essential.

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