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Neonatal herpes resources for patients/public

Neonatal herpes is a rare but serious illness of newborn babies. It most commonly appears as a general infection which may affect the lungs, liver, and brain of the baby. There is usually a rash, but some infants with herpes do not develop one. There is a high death rate, even with treatment.

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Ten things you should know about herpes and pregnancy

If a pregnant woman has herpes—sometimes when she doesn’t even know it—there’s a risk of passing it on to the baby. When babies contract herpes at birth, the results can be very severe. Fortunately neonatal herpes is rare. We explain how it's transmitted and what pregnant women with herpes should do to reduce the risk.

Australian Herpes Management Forum, c/- STIRC, Marian Villa, Westmead Hospital, Westmead NSW 2145, Australia.

Telephone: +61 (2) 8230 3843 - Fax: +61 (2) 9845 6287

Contact AHMF by email - ACN 096 346 477 - ABN 85 096 346 477