So very easy to pass on this horrible virus and with such devastating effects for this poor little mite. The worst thing is it can be so hard to stop in-laws and kind meaning people from doing these sorts of silly thing. So many would try to give my baby an ice cream when she was lactose intolerant and it would mean she would bring up her meal then. They just wouldn’t stop – so good luck keeping the kisses at bay.

It can be really hard deterring obnoxious people who just think either that they know best or should be allowed to do what they want. I wish it was more normal to simply respect parents’ wishes – or anyone’s wishes! – and not argue with or ignore them when they make a polite request.

I too was never really bothered by this until I started learning more through stories like this. It can be fatal. We have to be so careful. This poor little guy is going through so much because of something so simple It must be devastating for them watching this. I hope all ends up well.

And on reflection, wouldn’t you feel quite awful if you were the person who gave him the virus? And there’s a fair chance they know who they are. The virus can lie dormant but I think most people know whether they have it or not. I would not want to be that person.

Yes we were quite careful too, especially with my first who was 10 weeks premature. Random people would just touch her because she was so little and cute. I ordered one of those signs that said “looking is okay, but don’t touch my baby” and hung it on her pram. I felt as people thought it was over the top.

In addition to my other comments below; we have always had a no hug and no kiss policy with family and friends. It is so important to have this as a rule for our family because with some compromised health it is far too easy to catch possible illness and disease.

This is really awful. It used to drive me nuts when my in laws would put their unwashed fingers in my baby’s mouth to feel his suck reflex. Completely unnecessary and hideously unsanitary. One of htem was a NURSE and would not stop it. Easiest thing was just to avoid the in laws.

That poor little mite. The family must be devastated over something which seemed so innocent at the time. I’ve never kissed a baby on their face. It’s just something that my Nanna and Mum said isn’t the right thing to do. I hope his eye can be saved but if not, he’s still a cute little guy. All the best for the future Juwan. Sending prayers and hugs to Juwan and his family

Oh wow. This is absolutely devastating. That poor family. This would be so horrible to be going through. Why would anyone kiss someone when they had a coldsore!!! I can’t even comprehend this. That poor little bubba. Really hope his eye is ok. It’s so scary to think that something like this can happen so easily.

That poor family! I can’t even imagine what they have gone through from something so simple! I can’t even imagine someone who is not family kissing either of my kids. Surely that would be pretty unusual? And seriously – who kisses anyone if they have a cold sore? That is beyond disgusting!

Poor little guy. That would have been terrifying for the family to have to go through that. I have heard of babies getting sick from the herpes virus, but never getting it like this in the eye! I am glad that I know to be super careful around letting people kiss babies

Shocking. I’m so surprised this could happen. Something to be aware of.

Oh the poor darling boy. It looks absolutely dreadful and i can only imagine how uncomfortable it must be for him and the poor family. Its such a good reminder to not have anyone kissing your children – these stories are all too real and life changing for a split second bad decision

Wow this is scary stuff ! Just wondering how in the world anyone with active fever blister caused by the Herpes Virus could touch or even kiss another person, let alone a small child ! I never knew that there are such knowledgeable ophthalmologists in South Africa, but glad this was an option. Praying the eye of this boy will be saved and healed

This is so horrible for the poor child and so very heartbreaking for the entire family. It is awful for the poor child to have to endure such trauma and pain. We have always been very strict about no kissing for many reason and there is way too much chance of passing on illness.

Omg this is so sad, I feel for this little boy. What a horrible thing to have to go through and for those parents to have to deal with. I hope the next surgery can fix his eye and the open wound can heel. This is a sad story but thank you for sharing as I had no idea this could actually happen.

Wow! You don’t realise that something so simple as a kiss could be that deadly. Usually you know when you have herpes. There are signs before the blisters appear. So someone that this mum knew, had herpes and still kissed the toddler. That is unacceptable especially if they didn’t inform the parents.