In a devastating turn of events, a heartbroken mother from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, reveals that her newborn daughter, Kiara Cummins, tragically died after contracting the herpes simplex virus through a kiss. Kelly Ineson, 30, and her fiancé Thomas Cummins, 26, were meticulous about protecting their baby, asking people who were unwell to refrain from kissing Kiara. Despite their caution, at just 10 days old, Kiara's weight suddenly dropped, prompting a rush to the hospital.
Photo Credit: Daily Mail
Doctors struggled to diagnose the infection for four critical days, during which Kiara's kidneys shut down, and she developed sepsis. Despite being placed in an induced coma, Kiara's parents received the heartbreaking news that their baby had neonatal herpes, caused by the highly contagious herpes simplex virus.
Neonatal herpes, a rare but severe condition in newborns, is caused by the same virus responsible for cold sores and genital ulcers in adults. Ms. Ineson, already a mother of three, issues a stark warning based on her tragic experience, urging parents to be cautious about letting others kiss their newborns.
Photo Credit: Daily Mail
The grieving mother recounts the ordeal, emphasizing the meticulous care they took to shield Kiara from potential risks. Despite their efforts, doctors believe Kiara likely contracted the virus through a kiss. Neonatal herpes, which affects 1.65 babies per 100,000 in the UK, proved fatal for Kiara, with a mortality rate significantly lower than the US.
Ms. Ineson, overwhelmed by grief, emphasizes the need for heightened awareness about the herpes simplex virus. She stresses that the lack of information about herpes poses a significant risk, as many carriers may not exhibit symptoms leading to a diagnosis. Kiara's mother urges medical professionals and parents alike to educate themselves about the virus and its potential life-threatening consequences.
Photo Credit: Daily Mail
Reflecting on Kiara's brief life, Ms. Ineson recalls the joyous news of her pregnancy and the difficulties they faced, including a scare related to Down's syndrome. Kiara's birth was marred by complications, leading to an emergency caesarean. Despite initial stabilizing efforts, Kiara's health deteriorated, and she contracted neonatal herpes, eventually succumbing to sepsis.
Photo Credit: Daily Mail
Ineson, supported by the Herpes Viruses Association, calls on parents to recognize the risks associated with the herpes simplex virus and the potential harm it can cause to newborns. Her plea is a heartfelt effort to prevent other parents from enduring the unimaginable pain of losing a child to a seemingly innocent gesture like a kiss. As the family copes with the loss of Kiara, Ineson hopes her story will raise awareness and spare other parents from a similar tragedy.