Neonatal HSV Infection from Circumcision-Related Orogenital Suction

Jewish ritual circumcision with direct orogenital suction, practiced by some ultra-Orthodox mohelim, has occasionally led to systemic herpes simplex virus infection and death.

Ninety percent of neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are acquired — either during delivery or in utero — from a mother with genital herpes. The remainder are acquired after birth, typically from an adult caregiver.

Between November 2000 and December 2011, 11 newborn males in New York City developed HSV infection following oral suction of blood from the penis during ritual Jewish circumcision, as practiced by some ultra-Orthodox mohelim (circumcisers). Epidemiologic investigation by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) largely excluded transmission from the mothers and healthcare workers. The interval between circumcision and the appearance of HSV lesions was 5 to 20 days (median, 8 days). A single moh…

Reviewing Author

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Neonatal HSV Infection from Circumcision-Related Orogenital Suction

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Reviewing Author