The kiss of death: 11-day-old baby nearly died after catching herpes from someone with a cold sore

Baby Oliver Miller was rushed to hospital when he started refusing milk
He was immediately transferred to a high dependency unit and given oxygen
After spending eight days in hospital, tests confirmed he was battling herpes
Doctors suspect he was kissed or touched by someone with a cold sore

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A baby boy nearly died after catching herpes from a so-called ‘kiss of death’.

Oliver Miller’s mother Lucy Kendall, 23, rushed her 11-day-old son to hospital when he started to refuse milk and arch his back in pain.

The infant, from Hull, was immediately transferred to the high dependency unit where he was given oxygen, as well as a feeding line and numerous cannulas being inserted into him.

After undergoing multiple tests, doctors diagnosed Oliver with neonatal herpes eight days later, which they suspect he caught after being kissed or touched by someone with a cold sore.

Although it was touch and go, Oliver pulled through and was allowed home 21 days later. Reflecting on the ordeal, Miss Kendall said: ‘My message is to please respect newborn babies and stay away if you have a cold sore. Keep your babies safe.’

Baby boy Oliver Miller nearly died after catching herpes from a so-called ‘kiss of death’. Oliver is pictured in hospital receiving treatment after being infected with the herpes virus

After his mother Lucy Kendall noticed Oliver was refusing milk and arching his back in pain, the youngster was rushed to hospital where he was immediately put in the high dependency unit. While there, Oliver was given oxygen, as well as having a feeding tube and cannulas put in

Speaking of her son’s diagnosis, Miss Kendall said: ‘As you can imagine we were just shocked and couldn’t comprehend what had just been said.

‘The doctor began to explain the herpes simplex virus-1 can be passed onto a newborn baby if a person has a cold sore and kisses or touches the baby after touching the cold sore.

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‘Cold sores are at their most contagious when they burst, but they remain contagious until completely healed.

‘It was just absolutely dreadful. The condition is known as the kiss of death and it was just devastating for us all.’

It is unclear who Oliver caught the virus from. Neither Miss Kendall or her partner Jaz Miller were suffering from a coldsore at the time.

WHAT IS NEONATAL HERPES?

Neonatal herpes occurs when a newborn baby catches the virus.

The herpes simplex virus is highly contagious and spreads via cold sores or genital ulcers in adults.

Herpes can be very serious in newborns due to their immune systems not being strong enough to fight off the infection.

If the virus spreads to a baby’s organs, nearly a third die even if they have been treated.

A baby can be at risk if its mother catches genital herpes for the first time during the first six weeks of her pregnancy.

Such women can pass the infection to their babies if they have a vaginal delivery.

After birth, a baby is at risk of a person has a cold sore and then kisses it or if its mother breastfeeds and has herpes sores on her breasts. This can occur if she touches her cold sore and then her breasts.

Cold sores are at their most contagious when they burst but remain contagious until they have completely healed.

A baby may be infected if it:

Is lethargic or irritable
Refuses food
Has a fever
Has rashes or sores on its skin, eyes or inner mouth

If a baby becomes lifeless, will not wake, has breathing difficulties, or has a blue tongue or skin, call 999 immediately.

Treatment usually involves antiviral drugs given intravenously.

To reduce the risk of a baby being infected, people should not kiss infants if they have a cold sore and should wash their hands before touching them.

Source: NHS

After undergoing tests, doctors confirmed Oliver’s diagnosis and told his mother babies can catch herpes if they are kissed or touched by someone who previously touched a cold sore

After 21 days in hospital he was well enough to go home but requires antibiotics for six months

Oliver, who was born on August 3, spent 21 days in hospital before he was allowed to go home.

He will be on antibiotics for the next six months and will require regular tests.

Miss Kendall said: ‘It has been the most traumatic time of my life, especially with me being a new parent as well.

‘Having your first baby is scary enough, never mind having to go through all this.’

Neonatal herpes is extremely dangerous for young babies due to their immune systems not being strong enough to fight the virus.

Leo Aldcroft from Prestwich, Greater Manchester, tragically died last month at just 10 days old after catching the virus from his mother.

Miss Kendall said: ‘One in three babies can die if they contract the virus, it is so dangerous and people need to be aware of it more.

‘We are the lucky ones. A few hours later this could have been so different.’

Oliver’s family wish to thank all the staff who cared for him at the Hull Women and Children’s Hospital.

Miss Kendall said: ‘Everyone at the hospital was absolutely amazing. All the staff got really attached to Oliver. They were sad to see him leave but glad he is recovering well.’

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