A dangerous virus is affecting more newborns worldwide, with cases rising each year.

A new global review shows a concerning trend: a dangerous infection in newborns called neonatal herpes is on the rise. This infection, caused by the herpes simplex virus, is known for its high risk of death and long-term health problems. The analysis found that, on average, about 8 out of every 100,000 newborns are affected, which is roughly 1 in 10,000. But the risk isn't the same everywhere. It's highest in the Americas, where the rate is over 13 cases per 100,000 live births. In Europe, it's about 5 per 100,000, and in the Western Pacific region, it's just under 3 per 100,000. The study also reveals a shift in which virus is to blame. Globally, the two types, HSV-1 and HSV-2, cause nearly equal shares of cases. However, HSV-1 is becoming more common each year, while HSV-2 is becoming slightly less common. Most importantly, the overall number of cases is increasing by about 3.5% annually. This means more families worldwide are facing this serious threat to their newborn's life and long-term health.