Baby born with burns all over, thought to have a skin disease, but turned out to be a herpes virus infection
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The story of a baby who was infected with the herpes virus and was born with burns all over his body was introduced. [사진=’더선’ 보도내용 캡처]The story of a baby who was infected with the herpes virus and was born with burns all over his body was introduced.
According to a report by British daily The Sun, Luca (1), who lives in Bristol, was born 12 weeks earlier than expected. When she was born, her entire body seemed to have been burned, so the medical staff suspected a skin disease, but tests showed she was infected with the herpes virus.
Brooke Hale, 28, who has two daughters aged 5 and 3, was looking forward to meeting her child after finding out she was pregnant with her third child in May 2023. Two scans conducted around the 10th and 20th weeks of pregnancy showed that the fetus was healthy without any problems. But when I went for a 4D ultrasound on December 8, the doctor said I couldn’t see my child clearly because there was a lot of cloudy fluid. The pain started that evening. But the doctor said it was just a pain and that it would go away with time. However, a few days later, she felt like something was pouring out, and when she saw that it was blood, Brooke rushed to the hospital and was told that labor had already begun. At this time, I was 28 weeks pregnant.
Doctors initially administered medication to slow the birth, but Brooke’s heart rate continued to rise. Blood test results also revealed suspicions of infection. The medical staff eventually stopped the medication and proceeded with delivery.
Luca, who was born weighing 2.5 pounds (approximately 1.13 kg), had red skin as if he had been burned. The child was immediately transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit for treatment. Medical staff initially suspected that Luca had a rare skin disease, but examination of the placenta revealed that the child was infected with the herpes virus HSV1. “Both my husband and I suffer from cold sores,” Brooke said. “We were very shocked because we had no idea that such a disease could be transmitted in utero.”
Fortunately, Luca was able to be discharged after receiving treatment in the hospital for 12 weeks. However, he lost vision in his right eye due to an infection in his cornea. Even now, Luca’s symptoms often worsen, so Brooke never lets down her guard. If the virus spreads to the brain, it can even cause meningitis. Luca received a cornea transplant in October of this year, and also underwent a procedure to insert a PICC line (peripherally inserted central venous catheter) into his arm to administer intravenous drugs. Luca is receiving medication 24 hours a day through this tube.
Herpes virus that doesn’t go away once you get it
Herpes virus infection is a viral disease that is caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus. Also called herpes simplex virus, there are type 1 (HSV1) and type 2 (HSV2). Herpes simplex type 1 virus infection usually manifests as blisters around the mouth when you have a cold or are tired. Herpes simplex type 2 viral infection has the characteristic of occurring mainly in the genital area. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 3.7 billion people (67%) of the world’s population under the age of 50 are infected with herpesvirus type 1 (HSV-1).
Once infected, the herpes simplex virus remains in the body for life and is usually in a latent state, but when the virus is activated due to stimulation such as a decrease in the body’s immune function, symptoms may recur. In most adults, there are no symptoms and some show localized skin lesions, but in newborns and immunocompromised people whose immune systems are not yet fully developed, it can cause severe systemic infections.
Newborns can also be infected with the herpes virus at birth… In extremely rare cases, intrauterine infection is also possible.
Herpes symptoms also appear in pregnant women. According to Medical News Today, approximately 75% of women with herpes simplex virus experience symptoms during pregnancy. If you contract the herpes simplex virus for the first time during pregnancy, the risk to the fetus is greater.
In rare cases, a baby may be infected with the herpes simplex virus from the mother during childbirth. WHO estimates that it occurs in 10 out of 100,000 births worldwide. During natural childbirth, the baby is exposed to the virus and becomes infected as it moves through the cervix and vaginal canal. If a newborn is infected with herpes, it can cause serious complications, including brain damage, eye problems, and death.
Although it is extremely rare, it is possible to become infected with the herpes simplex virus in utero. According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases in 2014, if infected with the herpes simplex virus in utero, skin symptoms (active lesions, scars, aplasia, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation) and neurological symptoms (microcephaly, craniofacial symptoms) at birth were observed. Three clinical characteristics appear: internal calcifications, anencephalic hydrocephalus) and ophthalmic symptoms (chorioretinitis, microphthalmia, optic nerve atrophy). In addition, more subtle symptoms may also appear. Intrauterine herpes simplex virus infection also increases the risk of infection to the fetus in mothers who first develop symptoms during pregnancy.
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How can public health initiatives and healthcare providers better educate expectant mothers about the risks of HSV transmission during pregnancy and the importance of early detection and treatment?
## Baby Born with Burns, Later Diagnosed with Herpes: A Story of Resilience
This compelling story follows the journey of Luca, a baby born with severe skin lesions, later diagnosed with a congenital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection.
**A Difficult Beginning**
Luca, born prematurely at 28 weeks, presented with extensive skin redness resembling burns, leading doctors to initially suspect a rare skin disorder. Further investigation, including examination of the placenta, revealed the true cause: herpes simplex virus HSV1. His mother, Brooke, was understandably shocked, as she and her husband had no knowledge that the virus could be transmitted in utero.
**The Fight for Health**
Luca spent 12 weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit fighting the virus. While he eventually recovered enough to be discharged home, his journey continues. Due to the infection, Luca lost vision in his right eye and requires ongoing medication. He recently underwent a cornea transplant and a procedure to allow for continuous intravenous drug administration. This demanding treatment regime reflects the ongoing threat posed by the virus to Luca’s health, particularly the risk of a potentially life-threatening spread to the brain.
**Understanding Herpes Virus Infections**
The article highlights the important public health message surrounding herpes virus infection. Once contracted, the virus establishes a lifelong presence in the body, typically remaining dormant but sometimes reactivating due to triggers like illness or stress.
While most adults experience mild or no symptoms, newborns and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to severe complications.
Pregnant women, even those with history of herpes, need to be aware of the potential risks of HSV transmission to their child.
**Raising Awareness and Promoting Prevention**
Luca’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding and preventing herpes virustransmission.
Further research into new treatments and preventative measures is crucial to protectvulnerable populations, like newborns.
**Key Takeaways:**
* **Congenital herpes infection:** While rare, it poses serious risks to newborns.
* **Prompt diagnosis and treatment are vital:** Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.
* **Open communication with healthcare providers:** Discuss any concerns regarding herpes infection during pregnancy.
* **Continued research and public awareness:** Crucial to combatting the challenges posed by herpes virus.
Luca’s journey continues, but his spirit and resilience are a testament to the strength of the human spirit. His story serves as a call to action for increased awareness, research, and support for families facing the challenges of herpes virus infection.
