SHEDDING AND SURVIVAL OF HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS FROM FEVER BLISTERS

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 70  (4) , 547-549
Abstract
Shedding of herpesvirus by adults with herpes labialis and survival of the virus in the environment were examined. In 9 adults with virus-positive herpes labialis, herpesvirus was detected in the anterior oral pool of 7 (78%) and on the hands of 6 (67%). Herpesvirus isolated from patients with oral lesions were found to survive for as long as 2 h on skin, 3 h on cloth and 4 h on plastic. These findings support earlier recommendations for the protection of neonates from adults with fever blisters. Environmental surfaces may be a source of transmission of herpesvirus to the neonate.