What is neonatal herpes?

Neonatal herpes is a severe infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) in newborns. It can be acquired before, during, or after birth.

Transmission

Neonatal herpes is usually transmitted from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth. The virus can cross the placenta and infect the fetus, or it can be transmitted through contact with infected maternal fluids or lesions during delivery. In rare cases, the infection may also occur after birth through close contact with an infected person, such as a family member or healthcare provider.

Types

There are two types of neonatal herpes:

* Localized: This type affects only the skin, eyes, or mouth of the newborn. It is usually characterized by blisters, sores, or lesions at the site of infection.

* Disseminated: This type is more severe and involves the spread of the virus to multiple organs, including the brain, liver, lungs, and kidneys. Disseminated neonatal herpes can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms

The symptoms of neonatal herpes can vary depending on the type and severity of the infection. Some common signs and symptoms include:

* Skin lesions, blisters, or sores on the skin, eyes, or mouth

* Fever

* Lethargy

* Poor feeding

* Seizures

* Difficulty breathing

* Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

* Liver or kidney damage

Treatment

Neonatal herpes is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. Treatment typically involves antiviral medications, supportive care, and close monitoring of the newborn's condition. Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, are used to inhibit the replication of the virus and reduce the severity of the infection. Supportive care may include intravenous fluids, respiratory support, and management of any complications that arise.

Prevention

The best way to prevent neonatal herpes is for pregnant women to get tested for HSV and receive proper treatment if they are infected. Pregnant women who have active genital herpes lesions at the time of delivery may need to undergo a cesarean section to reduce the risk of transmission to the newborn. Avoiding close contact with infected individuals and practicing good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing, can also help prevent the spread of the virus to newborns.