Herpes Simplex

OverviewBirth-acquired herpes is a herpes virus infectionthat an infant gets (acquires) at the time of birth.Newborn infants can become infected with herpesvirus:-- In the uterus (intrauterine herpes -- this is veryrare) 1
Overview-- Passing through the birth canal (birth-acquiredherpes, the most common method of infection)-- Right after birth (postpartum) from kissing orhaving other contact with someone who hasherpes mouth sores 2
OverviewIf the mother has an active genital herpes infectionat the time of delivery, the baby is more likely tobecome infected during birth. Some mothers maynot be aware they have internal (inside the vagina)herpes sores.Some people have had herpes infections in thepast, but were not aware of it. These people, notknowing that they have herpes, may pass it to theirbaby. 3
OverviewHerpes type 2 (genital herpes) is the most commoncause of herpes infection in newborn babies, butherpes type 1 (oral herpes) can also occur.Medline Plus - National Institutes of Health: 4
SymptomsHerpes may only appear as a skin infection.Small, fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) may appear.These blisters rupture, crust over, and finallyheal, often leaving a mild scar.Herpes infection may also spread throughout thebody (called disseminated herpes). In this type, theherpes virus can affect many different parts of thebody. 5
Symptoms-- Herpes infection in the brain is called herpesencephalitis-- The liver, lungs, and kidneys may also beinvolved-- There may or may not be blisters on the skin 6
SymptomsNewborn infants with herpes that has spread tothe brain or other parts of the body are often verysick. Symptoms include: 7
TreatmentHerpes virus infections in infants are generallytreated with medicine given through a vein(intravenous). Acyclovir is the most commonantiviral medicine used for this purpose. The babymay need to take the medicine for several weeks. 8
TreatmentOther therapy is often needed to treat the effectsof herpes infection, such as shock or seizures.Often, because these babies are very ill, treatmentis done in an intensive care unit.Herpes virus infections in infants are generallytreated with medicine given through a vein(intravenous). Acyclovir is the most commonantiviral medicine used for this purpose. The babymay need to take the medicine for several weeks. 9
TreatmentOther therapy is often needed to treat the effectsof herpes infection, such as shock or seizures.Often, because these babies are very ill, treatmentis done in an intensive care unit. 10
Diagnosis **When to Contact a Medical Professional**If your baby has any symptoms of birth-acquiredherpes, including skin lesions alone, have the babyseen by your health care provider promptly.Medline Plus - National Institutes of Health: 11
RisksPossible Complications:-- Bacterial or fungal infection of skin lesions-- Coma-- Death-- Developmental delay 12
Risks-- Excessive bleeding, disseminated intravascularcoagulation (DIC)-- Eye problems (chorioretinitis, keratitis)-- Gastrointestinal problems, including diarrhea-- Hepatitis-- Jaundice 13
Risks-- Liver failure-- Lung problems including pneumonia orpneumonitis-- Brain and nervous system (neurological)problems-- Respiratory distress-- Seizure 14
Risks-- Shock-- Skin lesionsMedline Plus - National Institutes of Health: 15
Riskshttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001368.htm 16
PreventionIt is important for women to tell their doctor ifthey have a history of genital herpes.Safer sexual practices can help prevent the motherfrom getting genital herpes. Mothers who are notinfected with herpes cannot pass the herpes virusto the baby during delivery. 17
PreventionPeople with "cold sores" (herpes labialis) shouldavoid contact with newborn infants. Caregiverswho have a cold sore should wear a surgical maskand wash their hands carefully before coming intocontact with the infant to prevent transmitting thevirus.Mothers should speak to their health careproviders about the best way to minimize the riskof transmitting herpes to their infant.