Prolonged croup due to herpes simplex virus infection

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is an uncommon cause of acute laryngitis in immunocompetent patients since it mostly occurs in immunocompromised subjects. We present two previously healthy children with prolonged gingivostomatitis and stridor (lasting 3 and 4 weeks) in whom HSV-1 was isolated from subglottal ulcers. Conclusion: HSV should be considered a possible pathogen in cases of prolonged or a typical croup not only in immunocompromised or elderly patients but also in otherwise healthy children.