Getting To Know Neonatal Herpes, A Viral Infectious Disease That Attacks Babies

Illustration (Yan Krukov/Pexels)

JAKARTA - Herpes does not only attack adults, but can also be experienced by babies. Herpes infection in infants is also known as neonatal herpes. Neonatal herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Citing Very Well Family, Monday, July 18, similar to adults, neonatal herpes in infants can cause blisters around the eyes, mouth, and scalp. If infected in newborns, neonatal herpes and causes damage to organs and the central nervous system. This happens because the baby's immune system is not well developed.

Neonatal herpes can also develop into other serious viral infections. Such as meningitis and encephalitis, which is inflammation of brain tissue and can also spread throughout the body.

Launching Health Line, the symptoms of herpes that are acquired at birth usually appear in the first few weeks of a baby's life and may appear at birth. Herpes acquired at birth is most easily recognized when it appears as a skin infection.

Babies may develop fluid-filled blisters on the body or around the eyes. Blisters called vesicles are the same type of blisters that appear on the genital area of adults with herpes. Vesicles can rupture and harden before healing.

A baby can be born with blisters or sores a week after birth. Babies with herpes that are acquired at birth may also appear very tired and have difficulty feeding. Because newborns have suboptimal immune systems, they can quickly become seriously ill after contracting the virus.

Neonatal herpes is usually treated with antiviral drugs that are given directly into the baby's vein (intravenously). This treatment may be needed for several weeks. Any associated complications, such as a heart attack (seizure), also need to be treated.

Babies can be breastfed while receiving treatment, unless the mother has herpes sores around her nipples. If the mother is also taking antiviral medication, this can be excreted in her breast milk, but is not considered to be harmful to the baby.