Neonatal herpes (herpes in a baby)

Neonatal herpes refers to a herpes infection in infants. The risk to a baby increases with their age, as younger infants are particularly susceptible to the severe impacts of the infection. This condition can pose significant risks for a newborn, whose immune system may not be fully equipped to combat the virus. Although neonatal herpes is uncommon in the UK, it is caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is widespread and can lead to cold sores, genital ulcers, and herpetic whitlow (a finger infection) in adults. There are straightforward precautions that can help prevent neonatal herpes.