Postnatal Acquisition of Herpes Simplex Virus by the Newborn Infant: A Review of the Literature
1 Department of Pediatrics of the University of Cincinnati and The Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio
The literature relating to the hazards of herpes simplex virus acquired by newborn infants after birth is reviewed. A total of 24 infants has been reported who have acquired the infection in this manner; 66% of these infants expired. Transmission of virus from mothers, adults (inctuding personnel) other than the mother, and other infants has been reported. In order to prevent this infrequent but life-threatening illness, separation of the newborn infant from any person with active lesions caused by herpes simplex virus is recommended.
Submitted on August 7, 1978Accepted on December 18, 1978




