title: The incidence of neonatal herpes in The Netherlands.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In The Netherlands the incidence of neonatal herpes was 2.0-2.9 per 100,000 live births during the period 1981-1998. The low incidence warranted a rather conservative prevention policy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To monitor for potential changes in the incidence of neonatal herpes in The Netherlands between 1999 and 2005, which may affect the prevention policy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Questionnaires were sent to all virological laboratories, the gynaecological and paediatric departments of every university hospital and half the number of the general hospitals in The Netherlands. The questionnaires pertained to the incidence of proven cases of neonatal herpes, the numbers of caesarean sections performed for the prevention of neonatal herpes and the numbers of pregnant women with genital herpes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the period 1999-2005 33 cases of neonatal herpes were reported, yielding an incidence of 3.2 cases per 100,000 live births per year. The estimated annual numbers of pregnant women with genital herpes ranged from 200 to 240. Approximately 9 caesarean sections were performed annually to prevent neonatal herpes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In The Netherlands neonatal herpes is still a rare condition. From the findings of this study it is concluded that it is not necessary to revise the Dutch guidelines for the prevention of neonatal herpes simplex infection.
authors: Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands. j.poeran@erasmusmc.nl
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Poeran
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Wildschut
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Gaytant
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Galama
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Steegers
authors: W
authors: W
authors: van der Meijden
mesh_terms: D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000453:epidemiology; D037841:Pregnant People; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires