What is one potential serious outcome of untreated genital herpes simplex virus infection?

Genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection can lead to several serious complications if left untreated, one of which is encephalitis. This is a rare but severe inflammation of the brain that can occur when the virus spreads to the central nervous system.

HSV can travel along the nerves to the brain, leading to symptoms such as fever, headache, confusion, seizures, and changes in behavior. Viral encephalitis can be life-threatening if not properly diagnosed and treated. Unlike some of the other options, encephalitis has a direct association with HSV infection, making it a significant potential outcome.

Other outcomes listed, such as pneumonia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and vascular diseases, do not have the same direct connection to untreated HSV and are less commonly associated with the virus. Therefore, recognizing encephalitis as a potential complication underscores the importance of appropriate diagnosis and management of genital herpes infections.