A kiss from someone carrying the herpes virus can pose serious risks to infants.
For Ava and Mark Thompson, July should have been a month of joy, marked by the arrival of their daughter, Lily, on July 1st, followed by their wedding just six days later. However, their celebration took a heartbreaking turn when Lily became lethargic and refused to eat.
The couple hurried to a children’s hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, where they received devastating news: their newborn had developed meningitis caused by HSV-1, the herpes simplex virus. Medical professionals indicated that Lily likely contracted the virus from a kiss by an individual with a cold sore. “They touched her, and then she put her hands in her mouth,” Ava recounted in an interview. Both Ava and Mark tested negative for the virus, meaning it was a well-intentioned kiss from a close friend or family member that exposed their baby to the infection.
“Things deteriorated rapidly from there,” Mark shared. “In just a few hours, she stopped breathing, and her organs began to fail.” Ava took to social media to keep friends and family updated on Lily’s condition. “We’ve been told that if Lily’s liver doesn’t heal, she won’t make it. We are just monitoring her labs and praying,” Ava posted.
Despite the harrowing situation, the devoted parents remained by Lily’s side as she faced severe liver damage, heart complications, seizures, and kidney failure due to the meningitis. “We’re here for you, baby girl. Your dad and I are fighting this battle with you,” Ava expressed.
In an effort to assist with unexpected medical costs, friends and family set up a fundraising campaign. “We’re living hour by hour, minute by minute; everything can change in a heartbeat,” Ava said. Tragically, despite her fighting spirit, Lily passed away on July 18, just 18 days after her birth.
HSV-1, commonly associated with cold sores, is prevalent, affecting an estimated 67% of the global population. In the U.S., the infection rate is between 40-50%. While many individuals are aware they carry the virus due to occasional outbreaks, others might be asymptomatic. Kissing a baby when having a cold sore can lead to the infant contracting the virus, which may not always result in severe illness, but can still pose significant health risks.
The Thompsons hope that by sharing their painful experience, they can help prevent other infants from facing similar dangers. “Keep your babies safe. Limit visitors, ensure everyone washes their hands, and prevent strangers from kissing them,” Ava advised.
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In summary, this tragic story highlights the potential dangers of herpes exposure in infants and emphasizes the importance of taking precautions to protect newborns from infections.