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Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) is rare but associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Early recognition and empirical treatment are critical. Researchers reviewed records of infants (age, ≤42 days) with HSV-positive tests from Kaiser Permanente Northern California between 2008 and 2024 and provide details on 53 with symptomatic disease.
Cumulative incidence of symptomatic HSV was ≈10 cases per 100,000 births.
Infections limited to the skin, eyes, and mouth (SEM) were most common, followed by disseminated disease and infections involving the central nervous system (CNS).
Rates of disseminated disease rose significantly between 2021 and 2024 while SEM and CNS disease remained stable.
Mean ages at symptoms onset and…