A kiss from an individual with herpes can pose serious risks to a newborn.
For newlyweds Sarah and David Thompson, July was meant to be a month of joy and celebration. They welcomed their daughter, Lily, on July 1st, and just six days later, they tied the knot. However, their happiness turned to despair when Lily began to refuse feeding and appeared unusually lethargic.
In a panic, the couple rushed their newborn to Riverbend Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon. There, they received the devastating news: Lily had contracted meningitis caused by the HSV-1 virus — the strain of herpes commonly associated with cold sores. Doctors explained that the baby likely contracted the virus from a kiss given by someone with an active cold sore. “They might have touched her and then she touched her mouth,” Sarah recounted to a local news outlet. Both parents were tested for the virus and found negative, indicating that it was a well-meaning gesture from a family member or friend that exposed their daughter to the infection.
“It escalated quickly from there,” David shared. “Within hours, she stopped breathing, and all her organs began to fail.” Sarah kept friends and family updated through social media, sharing heartbreaking news about Lily’s condition. “We’ve been told that if her liver doesn’t heal, she won’t make it. For now, we must watch the lab results and pray,” she posted.
Despite the grim prognosis, the loving parents stayed by Lily’s side as she battled liver damage, heart complications, seizures, and kidney failure due to the meningitis. They never lost hope. “I love you, my little girl. Your daddy and I are here to fight this battle with you,” Sarah said. Friends set up a fundraising page to assist with the mounting medical costs.
Every moment was critical, as Sarah noted, “We are living hour by hour; everything can change in an instant.” Tragically, the virus took Lily’s life on July 18, just 18 days after her birth.
HSV-1, the strain responsible for cold sores, is quite prevalent. The World Health Organization estimates that about 67% of the global population carries the virus, with 40-50% of Americans affected. While many individuals are aware they are carriers due to occasional cold sores, some remain asymptomatic, making it difficult to know who might be contagious.
Although not every infant infected with HSV-1 will develop meningitis, it can still pose significant health risks. Sarah and David are determined to ensure their daughter’s brief life serves as a warning to others. “Keep your babies away from visitors. Ensure constant handwashing and prohibit kisses unless you’re sure of someone’s health,” Sarah advised. “Always ask before allowing anyone to hold your baby.”
This heart-wrenching story underscores the critical importance of vigilance in protecting infants from potentially life-threatening infections. For related information on pregnancy and home insemination, refer to this excellent resource on in vitro fertilisation. If you’re considering starting your family, check out our guide on home insemination kits for helpful tips. For more on this topic, visit Modern Family Blog.
Summary:
This article highlights the tragic case of a baby who lost her life to meningitis after being kissed by someone with a cold sore. The parents’ experience serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of HSV-1 for newborns and emphasizes the importance of strict hygiene and caution in protecting infants from infections.