LAUSR

On day 5 of life, a female infant delivered via spontaneous vaginal delivery at 39 + 3 weeks was noted to have confluent, purulent, crusted lesions on the mid-parietal region of her scalp (Fig. 1). The pregnancy was uncomplicated, and the mother and infant were discharged on day 2 but readmitted due to maternal fever and episiotomy dehiscence. The scalp lesions were swabbed, and the infant was commenced on intravenous (IV) cefotaxime and flucloxacillin. New vesicular lesions on the left parietal and ear region were noted on day 8, and IV aciclovir was added to the regimen. She remained afebrile and systemically well, with no seizures, neurological signs or end organ dysfunction. What further investigations are required, and what is the likely diagnosis and subsequent management of this condition? (Answer on page 724)