Birth acquired herpes

Alternative names:

congenital herpes; herpes - congenital; HSV

Prevention:

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 coldsore is a caregiver, use of a surgical mask and scrupulous handwashing prior to contact with the infant will prevent transmission of the virus.

Mothers who are not infected with genital herpes cannot pass herpes virus to the fetus during delivery. Infected mothers with active lesions must have their baby delivered by C-section to reduce the risk of infection in the newborn.