Generalized herpes simplex in malnourished children

Abstract

Five cases of fatal generalized herpes simplex infection in malnourished children are described. This is almost certainly a much more common disease in underdeveloped communities than is at present appreciated. Only a greater awareness of the disease, coupled with full use of histological and cultural methods of diagnosis, will lead to knowledge of its true frequency. A case of neonatal infection, the first recorded in an African, is also described. Reasons are suggested as to why this disease should be seen in malnourished infants in Africa but only very rarely in neonates.