Neonatal HSV develops in 1 per 2,000-10,000 live births per year. The risk of maternal transmission is increased if vaginal delivery occurs during the mother's primary infection. Infection occasionally may become life threatening. Patients who are immunocompromised are at increased risk of developing severe HSV infections. Highest incidence of HSV-1 occurs in children aged 6 months to 3 years.
Many primary infections are asymptomatic.
Antibody production develops, and infection becomes latent in the sensory ganglia. Recurrent lesions are common. Physical examination and symptoms vary depending on location of the lesions. Infection begins a chronological development of symptoms. First, the prodrome occurs, then lesions appear along with constitutional signs and symptoms.