The International Herpes Management Forum (IHMF) explains that herpes virus infection is common and mild in adults, but in infants, the herpes simplex virus (HSV) can cause a rare, but serious illness. The HSV can cause sores on the face, lips and genitals. There are two primary types of the virus, herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2). The IHMF reports that both types can impact an infant. A baby can contract the virus during birth if the mother is infected. A baby can also contract it from being kissed by someone with cold sores. The IHMF reports that in rare cases, the baby can contract the virus through touch. Symptoms of herpes in babies can be similar to those of adults.
Herpes Blisters
According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), herpes acquired through birth can lead to localized or systemic symptoms. Localized symptoms include small, fluid-filled blisters that rupture, crust over and heal, just like herpes in adults. The blisters often ooze liquid, pus or blood. A mild fever can accompany the infection. KeepKidsHealthy.com warns caretakers to watch the skin for redness, including areas on the scalp where electrode monitors were placed during delivery. These areas are typically the first places to be impacted by herpes blisters.
Birth-Acquired Herpes
The NLM reports several symptoms of herpes in babies. Infants can develop breathing difficulties resulting in a blue appearance, flaring of the nostrils, grunting, rapid breathing or short episodes without breathing, as indicated by the NLM. Other symptoms include bleeding easily, coma, yellowing of the skin, lethargy, reduced body temperature, poor feeding habits, seizures, shock, stress, anxiety or continuous fussiness. According to Herpes.com, the symptoms of herpes in infants can appear within 14 days of birth or they may not appear for many days, weeks or even years. They also indicate that a mother with herpes should report any unusual behavior, fussiness or signs of illness in a baby right away.
Complications
Birth-acquired herpes infection can lead to encephalitis. The NLM defines this as the inflammation of the brain that results in seizures. The results can be brain and nervous system problems that can lead to death if untreated. The most dangerous type of herpes infection is called disseminated herpes, as reported by NLM. This type can lead to liver, lung, kidney and brain problems that are often fatal, according to the NLM.
