Herpes simplex virus encephalitis.

Introduction Herpes simplex virus encephalitis is one of the more common sporadic viral encephalitides with an estimated incidence of one case per half million individuals per year (1, 2), but the true incidence may be higher. Untreated it is associated with a mortality rate exceeding 70070 and a high morbidity amongst the survivors with only about 9070 returning to normal neurological function. It is now accepted that acyclovir is the treatment of choice and with timely treatment the mortality can be reduced to 20070 or less with a corresponding reduction in morbidity amongst the survivors (1,3,4,5). Two cases are reported involving previously fit soldiers who presented in BAOR with eventual fatal outcomes, and reinforces the need for prompt treatment if such an outcome is to be avoided.