Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infection in Newborns

Symptoms of herpes simplex virus infection usually start between the first and third weeks of life but rarely may not appear until the fourth week. The first symptom is usually a rash of small, fluid-filled blisters. The blisters can also appear inside the mouth and around the eyes.

In some newborns, the infection affects only certain areas (localized). For example, the infection may involve only the eyes, skin, or mouth. Sometimes, only the brain and nervous system are affected. If localized infection is not treated, some newborns develop widespread disease.

In other newborns, the infection is widespread and affects many areas. In these infants, organs such as the eyes, lungs, liver, brain, and skin are all affected. Symptoms include sluggishness, diminished muscle tone, breathing problems, pauses in breathing (apnea), and seizures.

To diagnose herpes simplex virus infection, doctors take samples of material from the blisters and other body fluids and send the samples to a laboratory to grow (culture) the virus and identify the herpes simplex virus. Doctors may also do the polymerase chain reaction Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Genetic diagnostic technologies are scientific methods that are used to understand and evaluate an organism's genes. (See also Genes and Chromosomes.) Genes are segments of deoxyribonucleic... read more (PCR) test on the samples. This test looks for the genetic material of the virus and enables doctors to rapidly identify the virus.

If doctors suspect the newborn has a brain infection, a spinal tap (lumbar puncture—see figure How a Spinal Tap Is Done How a Spinal Tap Is Done ) to obtain a sample of spinal fluid may be done.

If herpes infection of the newborn is not treated, it usually progresses to severe problems. About 85% of babies with untreated widespread herpes infection die. About 50% of newborns with untreated brain infection die. Death is not common among newborns whose infection is limited to the skin, eyes, or mouth. Without treatment, at least 65% of survivors of widespread disease or brain infection have severe neurologic problems.

Appropriate treatment with antiviral medications decreases the death rate and significantly increases the likelihood of normal development.

Efforts to prevent transmission from the mother to the newborn have not been very effective. However, women who have blisters on their genitals near the time of delivery should be tested for herpes simplex infection.

If women have an active herpes infection at the time of delivery, cesarean delivery Cesarean Delivery Cesarean delivery is surgical delivery of a baby by incision through a woman’s abdomen and uterus. In the United States, up to 30% of deliveries are cesarean. Doctors use a cesarean delivery... read more (C-section) may be done to decrease the risk of transmitting the infection to the newborn. Also, fetal scalp monitors would not be used during labor on a newborn whose mother may have active genital herpes because the monitors stick into the scalp and create a break in the skin that could spread the infection. Newborns who are born to women who have an active herpes infection should be tested for herpes simplex virus infection.

If women are known to have had a herpesvirus infection, they may be given the antiviral medication acyclovir or valacyclovir during the last few weeks of pregnancy. These medications may prevent recurrences at the time of delivery and decrease the need for cesarean delivery.

Newborns who have a widespread infection are given the antiviral medication acyclovir by vein (intravenously) for 3 weeks and then by mouth for 6 months. Newborns who have a localized infection are given acyclovir intravenously for 2 weeks. This medication does not cure the infection but helps keep it from spreading and limits the symptoms.

Eye infections are treated with trifluridine, iododeoxyuridine, or vidarabine drops as well.

Additional care, such as fluids and breathing support, is provided as needed.