**Grieving Mother Shares the Tragic Consequences of Kissing Newborns, Urges Caution to All**
A devastated mother from Sussex has issued a heartfelt warning to the public about the dangers of kissing newborn babies, after her infant daughter tragically succumbed to a rare viral infection. Hailey Riches, aged 25, lost her baby girl Violet-May Constantinou at just one month old to neonatal herpes, a devastating illness caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).
Hailey first became concerned when her newborn, Violet-May, began to refuse feeds and developed jaundiced, yellow-tinged skin soon after returning home from hospital. The situation quickly escalated, prompting their family to seek urgent medical advice. Following a rapid decline, Violet-May was readmitted to Worthing Hospital, where she was diagnosed with acute neonatal herpes at only eight days old.
Medical staff responded promptly, administering anti-viral medication to try and stem the infection. Despite these efforts, Violet-May’s health deteriorated rapidly. She began to suffer seizures and, after being admitted to intensive care, was diagnosed with acute liver failure. Doctors at Southampton General Hospital placed her on the highest priority transplant list in the UK, but tragically, Violet-May passed away before a donor could be found.
In the aftermath, both Hailey and her fiancé, Dimitri Constantinou, were left searching for answers. Despite rigorous testing and medical reviews, experts were ultimately unable to determine the source of the infection. Neither parent had symptoms, and no family members were suffering from cold sores at the time – a common source of herpes transmission. Doctors suggested the likely cause was someone outside their immediate circle, and highlighted that the virus can be spread even when symptoms are not present.
“This experience has changed our family forever,” Hailey shared, expressing her frustration at the public’s lack of awareness around how easily newborns can contract potentially deadly viruses from seemingly innocuous gestures. “I so often see people online saying, ‘Why can’t we kiss a baby?’ — but people simply don’t realise how dangerous it can be, especially for newborns with underdeveloped immune systems.”
HSV-1 is most often associated with cold sores and is typically spread through direct oral contact, including kissing, or by sharing utensils and drinks. For most adults, the virus is relatively harmless, but for infants, the consequences can be fatal. Experts warn that the infection can be contracted before, during, or even after birth, and in rare cases, can lead to rapid organ failure as it did with Violet-May.
Hailey, herself an NHS professional, had an uneventful pregnancy and underwent an emergency caesarean section in March 2023. She recalls that the first signs of Violet-May’s illness were subtle but progressed quickly: “She just seemed tired, wasn’t feeding well, and had a yellowish skin tone. The health visitor suggested we get her checked, but things just spiralled after that.”
The ordeal left a lasting mark on the family, with Hailey describing the weeks in hospital as the most traumatic period of their lives. Violet-May’s condition continued to decline, affecting her brain, lungs, and ultimately her heart. Despite the efforts of medical staff, the family were forced to say their final goodbyes as her body could no longer fight the infection.
Hailey and Dimitri welcomed their second daughter, Lily, in August 2024, and admit that the experience has left them extremely cautious. “The first six weeks are absolutely critical. We were clear with everyone – no kissing, always wash your hands, and don’t visit if you’re unwell,” Hailey explains. “It’s not about alarming new parents, it’s about being vigilant and protecting your newborn from unseen dangers.”
The family have expressed deep gratitude to the staff at Southampton General Hospital, the Paediatric Unit, and the Ronald McDonald charity, who offered support and accommodation during their ordeal. Hailey now campaigns to raise awareness, urging people to maintain strict hygiene and avoid kissing babies, even if they don’t feel unwell.
Stories like Violet-May’s serve as a stark reminder about the hidden risks facing the very youngest in society, and the vital importance of mindfulness around infant health and safety – especially in the crucial early weeks of life.