Increase in laboratory-confirmed cases of herpes genitalis and neonatal herpes infections in Israel.

Jewish women have been considered to be at low risk for genital herpes simplex virus Type 2 (HSV-2) infections. During the period 1973 to 1981, genital herpes simplex infections were laboratory confirmed in 129 cases (81 women and 48 men). Until 1976, only sporadic cases were reported to our laboratory. Since then, the number of cases has gradually increased, reaching 31 new reported cases in 1981. The age distribution was typical for a sexually transmitted disease, with the peak of infection at childbearing age (20 to 39 years). As a result, rising morbidity of neonates--due to active genital herpes virus infection in the mother during delivery--could be expected, and monitoring of high-risk pregnancies for prevention of perinatal infections was introduced. Of 14 pregnant women monitored, herpesvirus was isolated in 4 in the last week before delivery, and cesarean section was advised. In addition, during the last 3 years, neonatal herpes was confirmed in six, and suspected in three neonates whose mothers were not monitored for genital herpesvirus infection during pregnancy.