Meningitis caused by herpes simplex virus type 2

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is well-known as a cause of orolabial ulcers, whereas HSV-2 predominantly causes genital infections. Furthermore, HSV can lead to severe infections in the central nervous system (CNS). In adults, HSV encephalitis is predominantly caused by HSV-1, whereas HSV-2 mainly leads to aseptic meningitis, the symptoms of which are seen with or without concurrent genital ulcers. We describe four cases of HSV-2-associated aseptic meningitis. One of the patients had a primary HSV infection, and another had recurrent aseptic meningitis. All the patients recovered without neurological sequelae.