Herpes group B nucleic acids were found more often in neonatal blood spots of babies who were diagnosed subsequently to have cerebral palsy.

The risk of cerebral palsy was nearly doubled with exposure to certain herpes viruses, including the chicken-pox virus. In addition, the presence of cytomegalovirus was associated with preterm delivery in babies without cerebral palsy.

We picked viruses known to cross the placenta and get into the baby.

This research underlines the fact that yet another antenatal cause of cerebral palsy has been identified, and provides further evidence that cerebral palsy is very rarely caused by events during labor.

The risk of cerebral palsy is nearly doubled with exposure to the herpes B viruses.

We are gaining more understanding of the pathology and mechanisms behind the development of cerebral palsy. And with this understanding, we may be able to prevent some cases of cerebral palsy in the future, for...