Approximately 2000 neonates contract infection due to herpes simplex virus each year in the
United States. Although herpes simplex virus type 2 is responsible for most neonatal
infections, approximately 30% of infections are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1.
Infections are categorized by extent of disease into skin/eye/mouth, central nervous system
and disseminated disease categories. Each disease category is responsible for roughly one
third of neonatal infections. Mortality is highest in disseminated disease. Morbidity is highest …