Herpes is an important reproductive health problem. For those with symptoms it is often a stigmatized condition. Obstetric and paediatric staff must relate to the condition and risks for the newborn child. Neonatal herpes is a serious consequence of genital herpes virus infection. The risk of transmission in and around delivery is less than one percent in women with longstanding infection, but it is said to be substantially higher, if the maternal infection is acquired during late pregnancy. Untreated herpes infection has among the highest mortality of any infection in the neonatal period and neurological afflictions are common among the survivors.