Congenital Herpes Simplex - My Child Has - Children's Hospital Boston

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Congenital Herpes Simplex

Congenital Herpes Simplex

Programs that treat this condition

Fetal-Neonatal Neurology Program

Advanced Fetal Care Center

Congenital herpes simplex is a type of in utero (TORCH) infection caused by a virus. It can be acquired before or during birth.

In adults and children, herpes simplex virus (HSV) can be transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact and is also a sexually transmitted disease. In most cases, babies contract congenital herpes in the birth canal during delivery, although in rare circumstances, it is possible to be infected in the uterus or immediately after birth.

What is the likelihood that my baby will have congenital herpes simplex?

About 30 out of every 100,000 babies are affected by herpes. A baby is at greater risk for contracting herpes if this is the mother's primary (first) herpes infection. Also, some studies indicate that delivery by Caesarean section, which avoids the birth canal, can reduce the risk of congenital herpes.

What are the symptoms of congenital herpes simplex?

Symptoms of congenital herpes usually appear within the first month of the infant's life. Signs that your baby may have herpes are:

Irritability
Seizures
Trouble breathing
- Grunting
- Blue appearance (cyanosis)
- Rapid breathing
- Short periods of no breathing
Jaundice (yellow skin color)
Bleeding easily
Shock

Herpes simplex infections can be divided into three categories, determined by these symptoms:

Localized skin infection -- small, fluid-filled blisters on the skin and around the eyes and mouth that burst, crust over, and heal
Encephalitis -- an inflammation of the brain, which can cause problems with brain and spinal cord function, including seizures
Disseminated herpes infection -- the most dangerous type of herpes infection. The herpes virus is spread throughout the body and can affect multiple organs, including the liver, brain, lungs, and kidney.

A baby afflicted with herpes may not exhibit all the symptoms of the disease. Most symptoms surface by the end of the baby's first week, while more severe central nervous system problems will not appear until the baby's second week. If left untreated, encephalitis and disseminated herpes infections are potentially fatal. Symptoms of congenital herpes may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your baby's physician for a diagnosis.

How is congenital herpes diagnosed?

Diagnosis is difficult because babies with congenital herpes may not have the characteristic blisters of the disease. In addition, many symptoms of herpes resemble other diseases or disorders. However, the following tests can diagnose congenital herpes:

Skin culture -- taking a sample of the blister by scraping or removing a piece of tissue
Blood test
Swab culture -- taking a sample with a cotton swab from the nose, throat or rectum
Urine test
CT scan or MRI scan of the head

The mother and baby are usually tested simultaneously if herpes is suspected.

How is congenital herpes treated?

Infants with congenital herpes are treated with antiviral medications given intravenously (through an IV) over a period of several weeks. The most commonly used treatment for congenital herpes is called acyclovir. Other treatment may be necessary for the various symptoms of herpes.


					Children's Hospital Boston is the primary pediatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School

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