Birth-acquired herpes

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Congenital herpes

HSV; Congenital herpes; Herpes - congenital

Safer sexual practices can help prevent the mother from acquiring genital herpes.

Individuals with "cold sores" (herpes labialis) should avoid contact with newborn infants. If the individual with a cold sore is a caregiver, use of a surgical mask and scrupulous handwashing prior to contact with the infant will prevent postpartum transmission of the virus.

Mothers who are not infected with herpes cannot pass herpes virus to the fetus during delivery. Mothers should speak to their health care providers about the best way to minimize the risk of transmitting herpes to their infant.

Review Date: 11/18/2005
Reviewed By: John Goldenring, MD, MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.