Herpes simplex encephalitis.

Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a condition that may follow herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection with high mortality and serious morbidity among survivors. We report the case of a 2-year-old boy who presented to us with features of a central nervous system infection associated with visual and auditory impairments. Serology for HSV was positive and cerebro-spinal fluid culture yielded the virus. He was commenced on intravenous acyclovir and eventually responded to treatment after 21 days of therapy. Neurological deficits observed at discharge resolved by the third month. This case highlights the challenges of early recognition, accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment and follow-up of such patients. In addition, there is a need for urgent documentation of the prevalence and associated factors of HSE in Nigeria.