"High Possibility That a Herpes Carrier Kissed the Baby"
Infants with Weak Immune Systems Should Be Cautious About Physical Contact
A 2-year-old baby in the UK was infected with the herpes virus after receiving a 'kiss' on the face from an adult, resulting in blindness in one eye. It is known that infants with weak immune systems should be especially careful about physical contact with adults.
Recently, British media such as 'Metro' reported the story of Juwan, the 2-year-old son of British man Michel Simon. Juwan suddenly developed severe redness in his left eye and was taken to the hospital. Simon initially suspected mild conjunctivitis, but the medical diagnosis was different from what he expected.
Juwan was found to be infected with the herpes simplex virus (HSV), commonly known as 'herpes.' Herpes is a highly contagious virus that causes sores on the skin, such as on the lips or genitals.
The medical staff speculated, "It is highly likely that someone carrying the herpes virus in their mouth kissed the baby's face." Juwan's parents are not carriers of the herpes virus. In other words, another adult carrier of the herpes virus may have unknowingly infected Juwan by kissing his face.
As the condition worsened, Juwan faced the risk of blindness in his left eye. However, the infection did not spread to the brain or the other eye. After the diagnosis, Juwan underwent an amniotic membrane transplant surgery and is also scheduled for a major surgery to transplant nerves from his leg to his eye. If this surgery is successful, there is a possibility of regaining the lost vision in his left eye.
Juwan's mother expressed, "I was shocked that a kiss from someone could cause my child to go blind," adding, "It probably wasn't done with malicious intent, but it is too harsh for a baby."
It is known that special caution is required when physically contacting babies. Infants, especially young babies, have immature immune systems and are easily infected by external pathogens.
Primrose Priston, a clinical microbiology professor at the University of Leicester in the UK, told the media, "Babies are easily infected by various pathogens," and explained, "It is best not to kiss their faces, and if you must, it is safer to kiss their feet or the back of their head."
She also added, "Parents should ask others not to kiss or touch their baby," and "To reduce the risk of infection, visitors should always wash their hands and refrain from visiting if they have symptoms of infectious diseases."
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