and love, only to find that a simple act of affection could pose a serious threat to their health. Such is the case with neonatal herpes, a severe condition that, while rare, can be devastating. In the wake of heart-wrenching stories like that of Breelyn, an innocent kiss on the mouth from an excited visitor has led to irreversible health issues that have not only reshaped a family’s life but also sparked a broader conversation about the dangers of seemingly benign interactions with newborns. This article delves into the hidden risks associated with kissing newborns, underscoring the critical need for increased awareness and precaution among parents, relatives, and friends alike.
Breelyn’s Story: A Cautionary Tale
Breelyn’s journey began joyously as any new life does. Born healthy and vibrant, her life took a drastic turn when she was just two days old. It was a simple act of affection—a kiss from a visitor who was unaware that they carried the herpes simplex virus. This seemingly innocuous gesture had profound consequences for Breelyn. “Breelyn was born healthy. She was fine. And at two days old, somebody was so excited to see her that they kissed her on the mouth, and two weeks later we started having seizures,” her mother recounted during an interview with Special Books by Special Kids. The rapid onset of seizures marked the beginning of a challenging journey for the family.
The diagnosis came as a shock: herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE), a severe brain infection caused by the same virus that typically results in cold sores. “The infection got into her brain fluid and it attacked her brain. It attacked the left side of her brain mostly. It had just started moving over to the right side when we caught it,” her mother explained. The infection, which ‘ate away at her brain tissue,’ led to significant brain damage, leaving 60 percent of her left brain damaged and 10 percent of the right.
Despite medical interventions, the damage was severe and irreversible. “Breelyn is now unable to walk or talk,” shared her mother. The reality that she isn’t expected to live into adulthood is a heartrending aspect of Breelyn’s story, underscoring the severity of neonatal HSE when treatment is not administered promptly or when the infection is particularly aggressive.
Breelyn’s mother has since forgiven the person who unknowingly transmitted the virus, emphasizing that it was an accident without malicious intent. “You know, it was an accident and they didn’t truly mean it,” she reflected, showing remarkable compassion despite the circumstances.
Understanding Neonatal Herpes
Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, including herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE), is a serious condition that can occur in newborns exposed to HSV-1 or HSV-2. The infection typically presents within the first four weeks of life, often contracted during the perinatal period. Neonatal HSE is a devastating form of this condition, marked by inflammation of the brain that can lead to severe neurological damage or even death.
Prevalence and Impact
While neonatal herpes is relatively rare, it remains a significant concern due to its severe consequences. The incidence of neonatal HSV infection varies, with estimates suggesting it affects between 1 in 3,000 to 1 in 20,000 live births. Despite its rarity, the potential outcomes are severe, highlighting the need for awareness and preventive measures.
Transmission and Diagnosis
Neonates can acquire HSV infection through intrauterine, perinatal, or postnatal transmission. The most common mode is perinatal, which occurs during delivery. The diagnosis is often confirmed through PCR testing of cerebrospinal fluid, and initial symptoms can be non-specific, making early diagnosis challenging. An MRI may be used for diagnosis, particularly to identify brain inflammation indicative of encephalitis.
Treatment and Management
The standard treatment for neonatal HSE involves high-dose intravenous aciclovir, which is most effective when started early. Due to the severity and often non-specific presentation of the disease, aciclovir is sometimes started preemptively in neonates showing signs of possible sepsis. This aggressive approach is crucial given the rapid progression and potential for severe outcomes of the disease.
Tips for Preventing Neonatal Herpes
Preventing neonatal herpes involves a combination of medical interventions and careful hygiene practices. Here are some expert-recommended tips to help protect newborns from this serious infection:
- Prenatal Screening and Treatment: Pregnant women should be tested for the herpes simplex virus, especially if there is a history of HSV infections. Antiviral therapy, such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, may be recommended in the last month of pregnancy to reduce the risk of transmission to the baby during birth.
- Inform Your Healthcare Provider: If you have a history of genital herpes, inform your obstetrician. This allows for proper precautions during delivery, such as possibly recommending a cesarean section if active lesions are present at the time of labor to prevent transmission during childbirth.
- Avoid Invasive Procedures When HSV is Active: If the mother has active genital herpes lesions, avoid procedures that can cause breaks in the baby’s skin, such as fetal scalp monitoring or forceps delivery, which increase the risk of transmitting the virus.
- Hygiene Practices: All caregivers, including parents and health professionals, should wash their hands thoroughly before handling the newborn. Additionally, avoid kissing the baby, especially when cold sores are present. Dr. Kahn stresses, “If anyone has a cold sore, [do] not touch the baby and certainly [do] not kiss the baby”.
- Monitor for Symptoms: Be vigilant for any signs of infection in the newborn, such as unexplained fever, lethargy, rash, or feeding difficulties. Early signs might not include visible lesions. If you suspect neonatal herpes, seek immediate medical attention as early treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
- Education and Awareness: Educate family and friends about the risks of transmitting herpes to the newborn. Encourage them to adhere to hygiene recommendations and understand why these precautions are necessary. Raising awareness can help prevent accidental transmission and promote a safe environment for the newborn.
Medical Insights and Parental Warnings
Medical experts stress the importance of preventing neonatal herpes due to its severe impact on infants. Dr. Jeffrey Kahn emphasizes, “If anyone has a cold sore, [do] not touch the baby and certainly [do] not kiss the baby. If somebody has a cold sore and they scratched the cold sore and then touched the baby, then they’re unknowingly transmitting the virus”. This advice underscores the crucial need for hygiene and awareness when interacting with newborns, especially given their underdeveloped immune systems which leave them vulnerable to serious infections.
The transmission of herpes simplex virus to a newborn typically occurs during childbirth but can also happen postnatally through direct contact with cold sores. The symptoms of neonatal herpes can vary from mild to severe, including rashes, lethargy, and more alarming, seizures indicating neurological impact.
Community Response and Awareness Campaigns
Community response to neonatal herpes and the importance of awareness has been significant, fueled by personal stories and medical advocacy. One prominent example is the Kit Tarka Foundation, which was established following the preventable death of a newborn due to neonatal herpes. The foundation has launched the “THANKS: Think Hands And No Kisses” campaign aimed at educating the public and healthcare professionals about the risks of transmitting infections to newborns through seemingly benign actions like kissing or touching without proper hygiene.
Sarah de Malplaquet, the CEO and Founder of the Kit Tarka Foundation, explains the motivation behind their campaigns: “Last week we launched our ‘THANKS: Think Hands And No Kisses’ campaign to highlight the importance of good hygiene around young babies and we are seeking the support of midwives and other health professionals to help spread the word,” illustrating the urgent need to change public behaviors and increase awareness.
The campaign highlights startling statistics: despite heightened infection control awareness due to the COVID-19 pandemic, almost half of surveyed new parents admitted they would allow friends and family to kiss their newborn, and a significant number wouldn’t insist on hand washing before handling the baby. This lack of precaution is concerning given that approximately 70% of the adult population carries the herpes simplex virus, often without symptoms.
Moreover, public health campaigns and surveys conducted by such organizations reveal a disturbing gap in parental awareness. One mother expressed her frustration, saying, “They do it without asking which I wish they wouldn’t! I would say no.” This sentiment captures the awkwardness and discomfort parents often feel in enforcing strict hygiene rules with friends and family.
The foundation’s efforts also extend to equipping healthcare providers with resources to educate and empower new parents about the risks of herpes simplex virus and the importance of hygiene around newborns. They provide materials such as posters for hospitals and health centers, and direct engagement through social media to spread their message.
A Call to Arms: Protecting Our Babies from Herpes
As we have explored, neonatal herpes is a serious condition that can have devastating consequences for the youngest and most vulnerable among us. However, through effective prenatal care, informed delivery practices, vigilant postnatal care, and community education, the risks associated with this virus can be significantly reduced. Each step we take towards educating ourselves and our communities creates a safer environment for our newborns. Remember, the simple acts of washing hands, avoiding kisses to babies by those with cold sores, and prompt medical consultation can save lives. Let’s commit to these practices and protect our future generations.