Infection of the baby occurs during birth. It is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Etiology

• HSV type 1- in 20% of cases

• HSV type 2- in 80% of cases

Clinical features

Localised skin, mouth, eye infection in 30% of cases

Skin infections

• Group vesicles, pustules

• Generally occurs in the 3rd to  7th day of life

Eye infection

• Keratitis

• Chorioretinitis

Nervous system. 

• Can occur up to 3 weeks from birth

• Presents  as encephalitis with seizures, irritable or lethargy

Investigations

• Viral culture- local secretions and blood

• Lumbar puncture with testing of cerebrospinal fluid, liver enzymes.

Treatment

• Hospitalisation

• Intravenous acyclovir for at least 2 weeks

• Ophthalmic examination

Prognosis

• Mortality can be up to 50% from Herpes infection