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- A baby from Iowa died from meningitis; her parents speculated that the child got it from someone who came into physical contact with their child.
- The 18-day-old baby died on July 18 last year.
Babies are so adorable and small that people just can’t help but squish, pinch, and kiss their cheeks. These actions are considered normal to mothers but it turns out that they should keep away from physical contact to a bare minimum.
A baby in Iowa named Mariana contracted a strain of herpes virus, causing meningitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord. It’s no joke as what she got is a life threatening condition.
So how did the 18-day-old baby get the virus? Her parents speculate that it was from an infected person’s kiss.
Not even a week after her birth, Mariana’s parents, Nicole and Shane Sifrit, noticed that their baby showed symptoms.
“She stopped eating and wasn’t waking up when we were trying to get her to respond.”
It was so alarming that they even had to cut their wedding celebration short to bring their daughter to the hospital. and learned about her condition.
As both Nicole and Shane tested negative for herpes virus, it meant that Mariana contracted the infection from someone else who came in close contact with her. It is said that the virus can be transmitted from oral or skin surfaces.
“They touch her and then she [baby] touches her [strangers] mouth with her [baby] hand.”
Nicole warned other mothers to keep their babies isolated as much as possible as it is best to take precaution.
“Don’t let just anyone visit them. Make sure they are constantly washing their hands. Don’t let people kiss your baby and make sure they ask before they pick up your baby.”
It is also advised to protect their babies through vaccination. Mariana passed away on July 18, 2017.
