If an infant is exposed to Herpes during birth, which condition can develop?

The correct response is that severe central nervous system (CNS) damage can develop if an infant is exposed to herpes during birth. When a mother has an active herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection during delivery, there is a significant risk that the virus can be transmitted to the newborn, potentially resulting in neonatal herpes. This condition can manifest as encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain, leading to severe complications including CNS damage.

Neonatal herpes can present with symptoms such as irritability, feeding difficulties, seizures, and even lethargy, all of which can stem from CNS involvement. The severity of the infection and the timing of the exposure contribute to the risk of long-term neurological impairment. The potential for CNS damage is substantial, making it a critical risk associated with the transmission of herpes during delivery.

While hearing loss can occur in some cases of viral infections or due to other complications, it is less directly associated with neonatal herpes than CNS damage. Heart disease and kidney failure are not typical consequences of herpes exposure during birth and are generally related to other congenital conditions or infections not specifically tied to HSV. Understanding this distinction is crucial for recognizing the potential outcomes of prenatal and perinatal infections.