Don’t let it happen!
Two weeks ago, Nicole Sifrit lost her two weeks old baby to viral meningitis caused by herpes virus. The baby, Mariana, started developing symptoms just a week after birth. According to the father Shane, Nicole and he noticed that the baby had stopped eating and wasn’t responding when they tried to wake her up. Within two hours, Mariana had stopped breathing and all her organs started to fail.
A few days later, after a torturous period of seizures, kidney dialysis and a number of organ fails, baby Mariana passed on.
In a rather devastating post on Facebook, Nicole announced the death of her new born daughter on July 18th, “Our princess Mariana Reese Sifrit gained her angel wings at 8:41 am this morning in her daddy's arms and her mommy right beside her.”
Her parting comment, "Don't let anyone kiss your baby."
Neonatal herpes
Neonatal Herpes is herpes in a child that most often than not gets transmitted through kisses. A cold sore on the mouth suffices a transmission and baby Mariana is proof that it can get deadly.
Both Nicole and Shane tested negative of the sexually transmitted infection. According to CNN the doctors determined that baby Mariana must have gotten the infection from a visitor.
In adults, herpes causes genital ulcers and cold sores. However, in babies with their under developed immune systems, the infection can be deadly.
How do you know if your baby has herpes?
If your baby has the following symptoms then immediately let your doctor know.
The baby’s health can deteriorate really fast if the virus spreads to the brain.
Is it treatable?
Sadly, Herpes does not have a cure. However, it can be controlled.
Only 7 out of 10 infants survive herpes infection. Most of those who do, are left with long lasting effects and disabilities.
Doctors use antiviral medicine to treat herpes infections in babies. Early treatment can stop the spread of the infection to the brain and other organs. Your baby may need to take medication for several weeks.
If your baby has serious herpes complications, like shock or seizures, she may need treatment in a hospital.
So there you have it, don’t let anyone kiss your baby.