Aseptic meningitis is associated with herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 genital infection. The onset of herpes genitalis precedes the symptoms of meningitis by five to ten days. Focal neurologic signs and seizures are absent, and recovery is complete in 10 to 14 days without specific therapy. Herpes simplex virus is readily cultured from the skin, but it is difficult to recover from the cerebrospinal fluid. However, an indirect immunofluorescent technique has demonstrated HSV antigen in cerebrospinal fluid leukocytes.