Intrapartum inoculation of herpes simplex virus by fetal scalp electrode.

A case of herpes simplex virus (HSV) introduced during the intrapartum period by a fetal scalp electrode is reported. This occurred in a mother with no past history of HSV infection who was transferred from a primary to tertiary care hospital with premature rupture of the membranes at 34 weeks' gestation. Herpetic lesions began at the site of electrode application on the sixth day of life, and later became disseminated. Type 1 HSV was the agent identified that caused disseminated fatal neonatal disease.