HSV-2 meningitis disseminated from a herpetic whitlow

Abstract

HSV-2 meningitis is uncommon in childhood and is mainly associated with genital lesions or a history of sexual abuse. A 7-year-old boy with recurrent herpetic whitlow developed HSV-2 meningitis. HSV-2 was identified in the CSF by PCR. In children with herpetic whitlow, the risk of HSV-2, although rare, should be considered.