Can You Be Born With Herpes Meningitis?

A newborn faces the possibility of being infected with the herpes simplex virus (HSV) should his mother experience an outbreak of the disease during delivery. Left untreated, potentially fatal conditions such as meningitis can occur.

Identification

Herpes meningitis, an inflammation of tissues lining the brain and spinal cord, affects one in 10 individuals with genital herpes. Women with HSV face a higher risk of developing meningitis.

Significance

Strong potential exists for the contraction of herpes meningitis at birth. “Neonatal herpes can spread to the brain and central nervous system causing encephalitis and meningitis and leading to mental retardation, cerebral palsy and death,” says the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Effects

Newborns exposed to HSV during vaginal birth experience an increased possibility of meningitis should they fail to receive immediate antiviral medication.

Statistics

According to an article published by the American Academy of Family Physicians, “HSV affects 1,500 to 2,000 neonates (newborns) each year. Of these, 4 percent acquire the virus congenitally (in the womb), 86 percent during delivery and 10 percent postnatally."

Prevention/Solution

Physicians prescribe antiviral medications to HSV-positive mothers during pregnancy to prevent an outbreak at the onset of delivery. Should such an outbreak occur, a cesarean section will be ordered to ensure the newborn is able to avoid infectious lesions.

References

• University of Maryland Medical Center: Potential Effects of Herpes in the Newborn
• American Family Physician Magazine: Aseptic Meningitis in the Newborn and Young Infant: May 15, 1999