Signs & Symptoms of Neonatal Herpes

The signs and symptoms of neonatal herpes are manageable if the virus is identified before it spreads throughout a fetus's or newborn's body. Early intervention is crucial to ensure the optimal health of an unborn child or a newborn.

Neonatal herpes, if not treated, is fatal in approximately 25 percent of all cases.

Identification

The primary sign and symptom of neonatal herpes is a lesion appearing at the site of infection.

Types

The three types of neonatal herpes are localized, disseminated and CNS or central nervous system.

Effects

Localized neonatal herpes presents itself on the skin, around the eyes or in the mouth. Disseminated herpes affects internal organs, primarily the liver. CNS affects the nervous system and can spread to the brain.

Considerations

If a pregnant woman is diagnosed with herpes, it is crucial that she be tested to determine if the virus has spread to the fetus.

Warning

Left untreated, neonatal herpes is fatal in approximately 25 percent of all cases.

References

• American Academy of Family Physicians, Neonatal Herpes Infections
• Genital and Neonatal Herpes, Lawrence R. Stanberry, 1997
• Herpes Guide, Neonatal Herpes

Resources

• Mayo Clinic, Herpes and Pregnancy