It’s an unthinkable situation. A couple brought home their newborn baby home only to have her die a few days later from a simple virus infection that could have been prevented. The most horrible part is that the virus was transmitted by a kiss.
Eloise Pugh had been home for a few days when she began to lose her appetite and was rapidly losing weight. Her mother, Sarah, rushed Eloise to hospital where the doctors confirmed she had contracted herpes simplex, the virus that causes cold sores.
It’s a common virus to adults, but babies are more vulnerable to it and in Eloise’s case, the virus caused complications. She developed a staph infection as a result of the virus and she passed away in her mother’s arms 24 days later.
Although it’s not uncommon for babies to develop a herpes infection, it’s rare that a baby will die from it. Doctors believe the herpes simplex virus was passed unknowingly on to Eloise by an unknown visitor, who gave the infant a kiss. According to Obstetrician Dr. Gino Pecoraro, “This is one of those many occasions where prevention really is the only cure.” He cautions people with cold sores to cover it with a band aid and avoid kissing young children or babies.
Sarah and her partner Douglas Lampton, were shocked by the turn of events. Sarah told 7 News in Australia, “We were pretty…I was pretty shocked that a cold sore had done this.”
She’s speaking out because she wants to help prevent another family from experiencing the heartache her family is going through. She said that sometimes people don’t even know when they have a cold sore so it’s best to take precautions. “Be really careful and just make sure people don’t kiss them or touch them, and yeah just make sure you wash your hands continuously.”
Please share Sarah Pugh’s advice with your family and friends!
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