P35.2: Congenital herpesviral [herpes simplex] infection

The placenta forms in the mother’s womb during pregnancy. The placenta consists of cells from the mother and cells from the unborn child. The umbilical cord connects the child to the placenta. The child is supplied with oxygen and nutrients from the mother's blood via the placenta.

If the mother contracts a herpes virus while pregnant, the virus can pass from the mother to the child via the placenta. The child can also get infected by the mother's herpes virus during birth. If the child contracts a herpes virus, its health may be harmed.

If the child is infected in the womb, there may be various indications after the birth. The child may have a skin rash with blisters, for example. Moreover, there may be changes to the eyes or head. For example, the eyes or head may be smaller than usual.

If the child contracts a herpes virus at birth, there can be severe indications of illness. Along with a rash and blisters on the skin, brain inflammation can occur. The child may then be extremely lethargic or have seizures. Blood poisoning can also occur.

Blood poisoning is the most severe outcome of a disorder that has been caused by pathogens. Blood poisoning is also known as sepsis. With this, pathogens or their toxins may spread throughout the body via the blood. If the body’s immune system does not react properly to this, organs and tissue can become damaged. The damage may be extremely severe. It may be impossible to get it under control.