children s health issues
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infection in Newborns
Prevention of HSV Infection in Newborns
Efforts to prevent transmission from the mother to the newborn have not been very effective. However, women who have blisters on their genitals near the time of delivery should be tested for herpes simplex infection. If women have an active herpes infection at the time of delivery, Cesarean Delivery (C-section) may be done to decrease the risk of transmitting the infection to the newborn. Also, fetal scalp monitors would not be used during labor on a newborn whose mother may have active genital herpes because the monitors stick into the scalp and create a break in the skin that could spread the infection. Newborns who are born to women who have an active herpes infection should be tested for herpes simplex virus infection. If women are known to have had a herpesvirus infection, they may be given the antiviral medicationacyclovirorvalacyclovirduring the last few weeks of pregnancy. These medications may prevent recurrences at the time of delivery and decrease the need for cesarean delivery. 