Congenital Herpes Simplex: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Congenital Herpes Simplex?
Babies with congenital herpes are usually treated in the hospital by a team that often includes a neonatologist and an infectious disease specialist; afterward, the family's pediatrician can handle follow-up care. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Congenital herpes simplex is an infection a baby gets from the herpes simplex virus around the time of birth, passing from mother to baby during pregnancy, delivery, or shortly after birth. Most babies born to mothers with long-standing herpes do not get it, but when it happens, it can be serious.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear in the first few weeks of life. A baby may develop small fluid-filled blisters on the skin, in the mouth, or around the eyes, along with fever, unusual sleepiness, poor feeding, or fussiness. In serious cases, the virus can spread to organs, causing seizures or trouble breathing.
Causes and who gets it
The cause is the herpes simplex virus, usually type 2 from genital infection or type 1 from oral infection. Babies are most at risk when a mother catches herpes for the first time late in pregnancy. The risk is also higher with vaginal delivery when sores are active.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors examine the baby and run tests to confirm the infection, taking swabs from blisters, the mouth, or the eyes, and testing blood, spinal fluid, or urine for the virus.
Treatment
The main treatment is an antiviral medicine given through a vein, usually acyclovir, for several weeks in the hospital. Early treatment greatly improves the chance of a good outcome.
When to see a doctor
Call a doctor right away if a newborn has any blister or sore on the skin, in the mouth, or near the eyes, or if the baby has a fever, feeds poorly, or is very sleepy.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor is paid a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either one can answer questions during pregnancy, coordinate testing, and see the baby often after birth, referring any active infection to a hospital team right away.
Common questions
Can a woman with genital herpes have a healthy baby?
Yes, most women with genital herpes deliver healthy babies. Doctors may recommend antiviral medicine near the end of pregnancy. They may also suggest a cesarean delivery, which is a surgical birth, if sores are active when labor starts. Good communication with the pregnancy doctor lowers the risk to the baby.
Can a baby catch herpes from someone with a cold sore?
Yes, this is possible. Anyone with a cold sore should not kiss a newborn and should wash their hands before holding the baby. Many hospitals advise visitors with cold sores to stay away from newborns until the sore has healed.
Does a positive herpes test during pregnancy mean the baby will be infected?
No, most babies born to mothers with herpes do not get the infection. The risk is highest when a mother catches the virus for the first time late in pregnancy. Doctors can take steps during delivery to lower the risk even more.
Can congenital herpes be prevented?
The risk can be lowered but not completely removed. Telling the pregnancy doctor about any history of herpes helps. Taking antiviral medicine late in pregnancy when advised helps. Avoiding vaginal delivery when sores are active also helps. After birth, keeping people with active cold sores away from the baby also helps.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - About Genital Herpes | Genital Herpes
- MedlinePlus - Pregnancy and herpes
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
