Final answer:
The risk of mortality in an HSV+ neonate is highest if treatment is delayed or not initiated. Early diagnosis and prompt antiviral treatment can substantially improve outcomes and reduce the risk of severe complications and death.
Step-by-step explanation:
The risk of mortality in an HSV+ neonate is greatest when treatment is delayed or not initiated. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infections can be transmitted from an infected mother to the neonate during childbirth, exposing the infant to the virus in the birth canal. Neonatal herpes can manifest in different forms, ranging from mild skin, mucous membranes, and eye infections to severe cases that include disseminated infection and central nervous system involvement, potentially leading to motor function deficits or death.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. If an HSV infection in a neonate is promptly diagnosed and treated with antiviral medication, such as systemic acyclovir, the prognosis improves significantly. Conversely, if treatment is delayed or not initiated, the risk of severe complications and mortality increases. Pregnant women with a history of genital herpes may be prescribed antiviral medication during the last month of pregnancy to reduce outbreak risk around the time of birth and lower the potential for transmission to the infant.