Neonatal Herpes

Neonatal herpes is a serious infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) in newborn babies. This virus can spread from mother to baby through contact during labor, delivery, or post-birth. Symptoms include fever, difficulty feeding, skin lesions, and seizures. Neonatal herpes can result in severe brain damage, blindness, and even death if left untreated. However, when promptly identified and treated, the mortality rate can be significantly reduced. As such, neonatal herpes is an important condition to be aware of, and it is recommended for pregnant women to be screened for HSV antibodies and for any symptoms to be promptly reported to a healthcare professional.