Neonatal herpes simplex

Neonatal herpes simplex is a rare but serious condition, usually caused by vertical transmission of herpes simplex virus from mother to newborn. Around 1 in every 3,500 babies in the United States contract the infection.

Causes

Neonatal herpes simplex occurs when the infant comes into direct contact with the virus in the genital tract during delivery. This is caused by having sexual contact with a person who has the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1, or HSV-2).

Symptoms

Symptoms of neonatal herpes simplex may appear at the time of birth, or up to a week after. They can include blisters on the skin, fever, tiredness, irritability, or lack of appetite.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by swabbing an active blister and performing a Polymerase chain reaction test to detect the presence of HSV DNA.

Treatment

Treatment usually involves antiviral medications, such as acyclovir.

Prognosis

The prognosis for neonatal herpes simplex is dependent on the extent of the disease. If the disease is limited to the skin, eyes and mouth, the death rate is less than 1%. However, if the disease has spread to the central nervous system, death rates increase to 50%.

Prevention

Prevention of neonatal herpes simplex can be achieved by preventing the transmission of the virus from mother to baby. This can be done by performing a Cesarean section in women with active genital herpes lesions at the time of delivery.

Neonatal herpes simplex Resources
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