Hailey Riches, 25, is urging people to be aware of the dangers of herpes in newborns after her daughter Violet-May Constantinou died after contracting the virus
A devastated mum is issuing a stark warning against kissing newborns following the tragic loss of her daughter to a viral infection. Hailey Riches, 25, sensed something was amiss with Violet-May Constantinou when she refused to feed and developed a yellowish skin tone.
As Violet’s condition began to deteriorate, Hailey was advised to rush her to hospital. At just eight days old, a series of tests revealed that Violet had contracted neonatal herpes (HSV-1) – a severe infection in newborns caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Violet was promptly administered anti-viral medication, but her health rapidly declined, leading to seizures. She was subsequently transferred to Southampton Hospital for intensive care.
Medical professionals observed that the newborn was suffering from acute liver failure. Despite being placed on the highest priority list for a liver transplant in the UK, Violet tragically passed away at one month old while still awaiting the procedure.
Doctors informed heartbroken parents Hailey and Dimitri Constantinou, 30, that they would never be able to pinpoint the source of the herpes. Hailey and her fiancé have since pledged to raise awareness, urging individuals with cold sores or those susceptible to the virus to steer clear of newborn babies.
Hailey said: “I do see it online many times people saying ‘but why can’t we kiss a baby?’ when it is not their baby – it frustrates me because of having gone through this situation.
“This is why you have to be slightly protective and be aware. If you have got a cold sore don’t go near a baby because it is deadly and can kill them.
“This is not to scare new mums or pregnant women. It is to say if you are not feeling right in yourself and if the baby is not feeling right then to be persistent and get it checked.”
Hailey shared her own confusion regarding the source of infection: “I don’t have genital herpes, none of my family or myself had a cold sore outbreak. They said it is most likely from an outsource, but they are not sure who.
Highlighting the risks of unwitting transmission, she added: “Anyone can spread the virus without even knowing. Even if you have got no symptoms you might still pass it on.”
The NHS speciality coordinator recounted her experience, stating that she went through a “normal” pregnancy before undergoing an emergency caesarean on March 22, 2023.
Upon their return home with the newborn seemingly in good health, Hailey noticed worrying signs such as diminished feeding, tired looks, and jaundice. She followed up and took Violet back to Worthing Hospital upon a health visitor’s advice where the baby was examined for jaundice.
After being briefly sent home, the situation deteriorated when Violet, only eight days old and struggling to feed, was discovered to have a fever by medical staff on their subsequent hospital visit.
Mum Hailey was hospitalised with sepsis, sparking tests that uncovered her newborn Violet’s grave infection – neonatal herpes (HSV-1), attributed to the herpes simplex virus. This virus can be passed along before, during, or post-delivery.
HSV-1 typically transmits through oral interactions, such as kissing, and by sharing drinks or utensils, potentially leading to cold sores around the mouth.
Violet started anti-viral treatment immediately, yet her health nosedived, causing her to suffer seizures. She was then rushed to intensive care at Southampton Hospital on April 1.
Hailey, from Billingshurst in Sussex, said: “The doctors said that we will be lucky to see her survive the next 24 to 48 hours. She was deteriorating further and then they decided to flew her by helicopter to King’s College Hospital in London because they realised she was having acute liver failure.”
Hailey opened up about the ordeal, saying: “It was absolutely traumatising. The worst time of our family’s life – I don’t think our family has ever gone through such a traumatic time.
“Every day something was happening and she was deteriorating further – it affected her brain, her lungs, she then had a cardiac arrest at one point where we watched her being resuscitated for nine minutes. It just got worse and worse and it was time to say goodbye at the end.”
On August 16, 2024, Hailey and her fiancé were overjoyed to welcome their daughter Lily into the world. However, Hayley confessed that she was “terrified” during the initial months after giving birth due to her previous experience with Violet.
She explained: “I had consultants telling me the first six weeks are crucial to protect her because they have no immune system. I had always said to people no kissing, wash your hands when you come in or if you want to hold her. We were very protective because of the situation we went through”
Hailey added: “Thank you to Southampton General Hospital, the Pediatric Unit and Ronald McDonald charity who accommodated us in Southampton and London during these tragic times. “.