Intrauterine herpes simplex virus infection. Hydranencephaly and a nonvesicular rash in an infant.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in a pregnant woman may have profound adverse effects on the fetus or neonate. A rare congenital syndrome has been associated with intrauterine infection with HSV. An infant with the congenital herpes syndrome is described, the characteristic clinical and laboratory features associated with this syndrome are summarized, and other possible manifestations of herpes virus infection in the newborn are reviewed.