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Complications of genital herpes infection
From Healthwise
If the herpes simplex virus (HSV) invades a part of the body other than the genital area, it may cause disease in that part of the body. Complications are generally rare and usually occur with the first-time (primary) genital herpes outbreak. Some of these complications include:
- Meningitis, an infection of the fluid (cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF) and tissues (meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord.
- Encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain that is usually the result of a viral infection.
- Inflammation of the lower spinal cord and surrounding nerves, possibly resulting in an inability to urinate, constipation, and loss of feeling and muscle strength in the legs.
- Widespread infection, including viral infections of the liver, lungs, and joints. This mostly occurs in people who have impaired immune systems.
| Author | Sandy Jocoy, RN |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease |
| Last Updated | January 13, 2009 |
| Author: | Sandy Jocoy, RN | Last Updated: January 13, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease | |
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