Neonatal herpes is a rare but serious viral infection that affects newborn babies. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which can be transmitted to the baby during childbirth if the mother has an active genital herpes infection. This type of herpes can have severe consequences for the baby's health and can even be life-threatening.
Neonatal herpes can present in three different forms: skin, eye, and mouth (SEM) disease; central nervous system (CNS) disease; or disseminated disease affecting multiple organs. Symptoms may include blisters, sores, or ulcers on the skin, mouth, or eyes, as well as fever, irritability, poor feeding, and seizures.
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in managing neonatal herpes. Antiviral medications can be administered to the baby to help control the infection and reduce the risk of complications. It is important for pregnant women to undergo regular prenatal care and inform their healthcare providers if they have a history of genital herpes to minimize the risk of transmission to their newborn.