children s health issues
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infection in Newborns
Symptoms of 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. This close-up of a newborn's mouth shows sores on and under the upper lip caused by herpes simplex virus. DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY This photo shows a newborn who has acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and a rash of small fluid-filled blisters covering the entire body. DR M.A. ANSARY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY This photo shows small fluid-filled blisters on the face of a newborn infected with herpes simplex virus. By permission of the publisher. From Demmler G: Congenital and perinatal infections. In Atlas of Infectious Diseases: Pediatric Infectious Diseases. Edited by CM Wilfert. Philadelphia,Current Medicine, 1998. 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. 