A kiss from someone carrying the herpes virus can pose serious risks for infants.
For new parents Jamie and Chris Miller, July should have been a month filled with joy. They celebrated the arrival of their daughter, Lily, on July 1st, followed by their wedding just days later on July 7th. However, their happiness quickly turned to despair when they noticed Lily was lethargic and refusing to eat.
The couple rushed their newborn to a children’s hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, where doctors delivered devastating news: Lily had contracted meningitis caused by HSV-1, the herpes virus commonly associated with cold sores. The doctors explained that the virus was likely transmitted when someone with a cold sore kissed her. “They touched her, and then she put her hand to her mouth,” Jamie recounted during an interview. Despite both parents testing negative for the virus, it was clear that a well-meaning kiss from a visitor had put their baby in danger.
“It went downhill so fast,” Chris shared. “Within hours, she stopped breathing, and her organs began to fail.” Jamie took to social media, providing updates on Lily’s condition. “We’ve been told that if Lily’s liver doesn’t heal, she won’t survive. We’re just watching and praying,” she wrote. The couple remained by Lily’s side, witnessing her struggle with severe liver and heart damage, seizures, and kidney failure due to the meningitis.
Despite the grim situation, they held onto hope. “We love you, sweetheart, and we’ll be right here fighting alongside you,” Jamie said. Friends and family quickly organized a Go Fund Me campaign to assist with the unforeseen medical bills. Jamie constantly reminded herself of the fragile nature of Lily’s health. “We’re living hour by hour; everything can change in a moment,” she noted. Sadly, Lily passed away on July 18, just 18 days after her birth.
HSV-1, often referred to as the cold sore variant of herpes, is alarmingly common. The World Health Organization estimates that around 67% of people worldwide are infected with the virus. In the United States, the infection rate is believed to be between 40-50%. Most individuals are aware of their HSV-1 status due to occasional cold sores. Yet, people can unknowingly transmit the virus, particularly when kissing an infant.
Although not every baby exposed to HSV-1 will develop meningitis like Lily, the potential for severe illness remains significant. The Millers hope that by sharing their heartbreaking experience, they can help other families take precautions. “Keep your babies away from crowds. Don’t allow just anyone to visit, and make sure they wash their hands frequently. Never let anyone kiss your baby without asking first,” Jamie urged.
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In summary, the heartbreaking story of the Millers serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of herpes transmission to infants. Parents should be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their newborns from potential infections.
Keyphrase: Baby Meningitis Herpes
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