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Please note this website is no longer being updated as our charitable work has now passed to The Lullaby Trust. Please visit their infection guidance page for the latest information.

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Neonatal Herpes Stories

Thank you to the families who have shared their baby's story to help raise awareness of neonatal herpes. If you would like to share yours too please email info@kittarkafoundation.org.

Kit

Kit Tarka Foundation was founded after the death of baby Kit. Kit was born healthy at full term but died at just 13 days old from neonatal herpes. Despite living almost all his life in hospital, the virus that killed him was not suspected until he was fighting for his life in intensive care but by then it was too late to save him. Kit's parents, Sarah and James, share his story.

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Joshua

Beth shares the story of her son Joshua who had been home for nearly a week before his parents took him to hospital with concerns about his low temperature. Earlier concerns about his breathing and not waking up for feeds had been dismissed by community midwives. Joshua was treated with antivirals on admission to hospital but sadly it was too late and he died at just 8 days old.

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Quinn

Quinn contracted HSV shortly after birth and recovered but it was a reactivation of the virus at 3 and a half months which affected his brain and led to seizures and a month in hospital. Thankfully antiviral treatment was given again and Quinn got better. He is now a happy and healthy little boy. Frances and Tony share his story.

Oliver

Oliver was born in the same hospital as Kit and his mum thinks he might not be here today if it wasn't for the work of Kit Tarka Foundation. Oliver was treated for a suspected HSV infection shortly after birth and is now a healthy and cheerful toddler. His mum shares his story here.

Peter

Peter contracted HSV when he was a young baby but it wasn't picked up until it had already caused major brain damage. Peter lived with severe disability for all of his 38 years. His younger sister Katie shares his story.

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Arthur

Arthur was two days old when he became floppy and unresponsive. He was rushed to hospital in an ambulance and, after his grandma spotted white lumps on his head, treated with antiviral medication. Arthur is now a happy, thriving, toddler. His Grandma Sam tells his story.

Caius

When Caius was five days old his mum Elouise had a feeling something wasn't right; he hadn't opened his eyes all day and that evening felt very hot to touch. She took him into A&E and, although he got a lot worse before getting better, HSV was suspected and treated for in time for him to fully recover.

Now Caius is a healthy toddler and has had no new HSV outbreaks since his difficult start to life. Elouise is keen to share his story to raise awareness, show good practice and save the lives of other babies.

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