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Living with Congenital herpes virus infection

A group of problems in a baby caused by a herpes virus infection passed from the mother during or around pregnancy.

Understanding Congenital herpes virus infection

Congenital herpes virus infection is a group of differences a baby may have after the mother has a herpes infection that then spreads to the baby.

The virus often causes repeated skin infections in adults, usually on the lips or genitals. Infections in other organs, such as the liver or nervous system, are less common.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet.

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which organs should be checked in my baby?
What antiviral treatment is available for newborns?
What follow-up will my baby need?

Quick facts

It is caused by a herpes virus infection in the mother that spreads to the baby.

Also known as: congenital infection caused by herpes virus; herpesviridae caused infectious embryofetopathy; herpesviridae infectious embryofetopathy

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Congenital herpes virus infectionGARD ID 2669 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Congenital herpes virus infection.

Explore the Congenital herpes virus infection blog

Explore research for Congenital herpes virus infection

Explore actively recruiting Congenital herpes virus infection studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Congenital herpes virus infection with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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