Question
How should neonatal simple herpesvirus infection be diagnosed and treated?
Answer
Neonatal simple herpesvirus infection typically presents symptoms within the first weekend after birth, including fever, pallor, difficulty breathing or cessation, seizures, drowsiness, restlessness, high bilirubin levels, and shock. Purulent blisters may also appear on the skin, with a red base and clear edges. However, some children may not show blisters during the course of the illness, making diagnosis more challenging. The prognosis for this condition is poor, with a high mortality rate and survivors may suffer from neurological sequelae.