Why can genital herpes be dangerous to newborn infants during delivery?

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sexually transmitted disease Scanning electron micrograph of the spirochete *Treponema pallidum* attached to testicular cell membranes.

Genital herpes is dangerous to newborns because the herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) can be transmitted to the infant as it passes through an infected birth canal during delivery.1

This exposure can lead to serious infections, including those affecting the infant's central nervous system. The consequences of such infections are severe: the virus can cause death in 60 percent of affected infants, while 20 percent of survivors may experience significant intellectual disability.1

Because of these grave risks, medical professionals typically recommend a cesarean section if active genital herpes is diagnosed in a pregnant woman near the time of delivery.1