Menu
27/02/2009
'Mother's Kiss' May Have Killed Newborn
The death of an 11-day-old baby, could have been caused from her mother's kiss, an inquest in Lancashire has heard.
Jennifer Schofield was just 11 days old when her vital organs failed after contracting Herpes Simplex Virus in November 2006.
The baby's mother, Ruth, aged 35, of Lancaster, transmitted the virus to Jennifer by kissing or breastfeeding.
Miss Schofield had felt ill a few days before giving birth last November and was later treated for mouth ulcers.
She was prescribed antibiotics and was then treated by her GP.
Her daughter was admitted to Lancaster Royal Infirmary when she was eight-days-old for assessment, because she was sleepy and not feeding.
A range of tests were carried out, including a lumbar puncture to rule out meningitis. Her condition deteriorated and she died three days later.
Coroner Dr James Adeley recorded a narrative verdict, and said nobody was blamed for failing to spot the virus.
He added that she had probably caught HSV in the late stages of her pregnancy.
The 35-year-old said: "I have been left totally devastated and heartbroken by the death of Jennifer. It's more than a year since she died but the pain has not lessened.
"More needs to be done as this can happen to anyone without them knowing about it."
Miss Schofield has since been campaigning to raise awareness of the condition.
It is estimated six babies a year die in the UK by infecting HSV.
(JM/BMcC)
Jennifer Schofield was just 11 days old when her vital organs failed after contracting Herpes Simplex Virus in November 2006.
The baby's mother, Ruth, aged 35, of Lancaster, transmitted the virus to Jennifer by kissing or breastfeeding.
Miss Schofield had felt ill a few days before giving birth last November and was later treated for mouth ulcers.
She was prescribed antibiotics and was then treated by her GP.
Her daughter was admitted to Lancaster Royal Infirmary when she was eight-days-old for assessment, because she was sleepy and not feeding.
A range of tests were carried out, including a lumbar puncture to rule out meningitis. Her condition deteriorated and she died three days later.
Coroner Dr James Adeley recorded a narrative verdict, and said nobody was blamed for failing to spot the virus.
He added that she had probably caught HSV in the late stages of her pregnancy.
The 35-year-old said: "I have been left totally devastated and heartbroken by the death of Jennifer. It's more than a year since she died but the pain has not lessened.
"More needs to be done as this can happen to anyone without them knowing about it."
Miss Schofield has since been campaigning to raise awareness of the condition.
It is estimated six babies a year die in the UK by infecting HSV.
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 May 2004
Contingency plan for deadly mosquito-borne virus published
A contingency plan to protect the UK against the mosquito-borne disease West Nile Virus has been published by the Chief Medical Officer today. Although the risk of acquiring West Nile Virus infection in the UK has been assessed as low, climate change and long-haul travel could contrive to see the disease spread to Britain.
Contingency plan for deadly mosquito-borne virus published
A contingency plan to protect the UK against the mosquito-borne disease West Nile Virus has been published by the Chief Medical Officer today. Although the risk of acquiring West Nile Virus infection in the UK has been assessed as low, climate change and long-haul travel could contrive to see the disease spread to Britain.
05 August 2009
Missing Baby Found 'Safe And Well'
A nine-month-old baby girl who was reported missing from her home in Glouchestershire on Monday has been found safe and well. Maylayah Delaney had been reported missing by her mother shortly before lunch-time on Monday. Police have confirmed that a man from the West Midlands is helping them with their inquiries.
Missing Baby Found 'Safe And Well'
A nine-month-old baby girl who was reported missing from her home in Glouchestershire on Monday has been found safe and well. Maylayah Delaney had been reported missing by her mother shortly before lunch-time on Monday. Police have confirmed that a man from the West Midlands is helping them with their inquiries.
15 November 2005
Report casts doubt on transmission of avian flu
A report into the outbreak of bird flu at a UK quarantine centre has suggested that the virus might not spread as easily between different species as originally feared. The report suggested that the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus was brought into the UK in a consignment of Taiwanese mesia finches.
Report casts doubt on transmission of avian flu
A report into the outbreak of bird flu at a UK quarantine centre has suggested that the virus might not spread as easily between different species as originally feared. The report suggested that the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus was brought into the UK in a consignment of Taiwanese mesia finches.
05 March 2015
Pregnant Woman Attacked In Essex
A pregnant woman has been attacked with a baseball bat and a knife at her home in Basildon, Essex. The 22-year-old woman, who was in labour, was getting ready to leave her home with her partner to go to the hospital when a gang raided her home. She was hit with a baseball bat and slashed with a knife.
Pregnant Woman Attacked In Essex
A pregnant woman has been attacked with a baseball bat and a knife at her home in Basildon, Essex. The 22-year-old woman, who was in labour, was getting ready to leave her home with her partner to go to the hospital when a gang raided her home. She was hit with a baseball bat and slashed with a knife.
19 May 2014
Woman And Children Hurt In Suspected Knife Attack
A man has been arrested in connection with the discovery of a woman's dead body and four injured children. According to police the body of a woman (37) was found in a house on Reinwood Road, Lindley, Huddersfield.
Woman And Children Hurt In Suspected Knife Attack
A man has been arrested in connection with the discovery of a woman's dead body and four injured children. According to police the body of a woman (37) was found in a house on Reinwood Road, Lindley, Huddersfield.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
