In a heartbreaking incident in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, newborn Kiara Cummins tragically succumbed to the herpes simplex virus at just 10 days old. Despite precautions taken by parents Kelly Ineson, 30, and Thomas Cummins, 26, urging people to avoid kissing Kiara, the baby’s sudden weight loss prompted a rushed hospital visit.

Doctors struggled for four critical days to diagnose neonatal herpes, a rare but severe condition. Kiara’s kidneys failed, leading to sepsis. Despite induced coma efforts, Kiara’s life was claimed by the highly contagious virus. Ineson, a mother of three, issues a stark warning to parents about the risks of letting others kiss newborns, emphasizing their meticulous care.

Ineson stresses the need for heightened awareness about the herpes simplex virus, urging medical professionals and parents to educate themselves about its potentially fatal consequences. Supported by the Herpes Viruses Association, Ineson hopes her tragic story will prevent other parents from enduring the pain of losing a child to what may seem like an innocent gesture—a kiss.