As parents, we are all familiar with the occasional eye infection that our children may experience. But for Michelle Saaiman from Namibia, the situation with her 16-month-old son, Juwan, took an unimaginable and heartbreaking turn when she discovered that her child’s eye was at risk of permanent damage due to herpes simplex virus (HSV) contracted from a simple kiss. This tragedy not only led to the potential loss of Juwan’s eye but also serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers viruses pose, especially to vulnerable children.
The Start of a Nightmare
It all began last August when Michelle noticed something unusual in her son’s eye. Initially, she thought it was just a mild infection, which is common in toddlers. However, after trying antibiotic drops without success, the infection worsened. A visit to the doctor revealed the devastating truth: Juwan had contracted HSV, likely from someone with an active cold sore who had kissed him near his eye.
Michelle was left stunned by the diagnosis. She recalls, “The doctor was telling me there’s a fever blister growing in my child’s cornea. I was literally looking at the doctor wondering whether it’s April 1, because I thought it was an April Fool’s joke.”
The “Melting” Eye and Growing Concerns
The herpes virus caused significant damage to Juwan’s cornea, which led to his eye “melting away.” Without the proper lubrication, his eye began to deteriorate, and a hole opened up in the cornea. At one point, doctors feared Juwan might lose his eye entirely.
“The herpes just caused so much damage that he essentially lost all feeling in the eye, and he could not see anything,” Michelle explained. “It meant the brain did not recognize the eye anymore and stopped sending signals to the eye. The gel later protecting the eye evaporated, and the eye dried out.”
This was a terrifying moment for Juwan’s parents, as they were faced with the reality that their son might lose his vision forever. To give him a fighting chance, they flew him to Cape Town for specialized treatment.
Facebook / Michelle Saaiman
The Road to Recovery
Juwan underwent amnion graft surgery in an attempt to save his cornea. His eyelids were stitched together as a precaution, and his family is now preparing for another major surgery in April to transfer nerves from his leg to his eye. If this procedure is successful, it could pave the way for a cornea transplant in the future.
Despite the pain and suffering he has endured, Michelle praised her son’s bravery. “Juwan is such a trooper, he’s really just always had a smile on his face. But he was in severe pain,” she said. “It is not fair for such a tiny human to go through all that.”
The Emotional Toll on the Family
As parents, Michelle and her husband were understandably furious at the person responsible for passing on the herpes virus to their son. “Both my husband and myself, we were just angry with whoever was so selfish to kiss my child in his face with an active fever blister,” Michelle admitted. “Kisses come from a place of love. So whoever gave him this, I’m sure it wasn’t done intentionally or with any idea to do him harm.”
While the family’s pain and anger are understandable, Michelle also recognizes the unintentional nature of the act. The herpes virus, although dangerous, is often spread unknowingly when someone with an active cold sore comes into contact with a child. This story highlights how a seemingly innocent kiss can have life-changing consequences.
Facebook / Michelle Saaiman
The Financial and Emotional Burden
The journey for Juwan’s treatment has been filled with uncertainty and challenges. Michelle and her husband had to seek out specialists in New York to ensure they were using the correct medication for their son’s condition. The costs of Juwan’s treatments, including flights to South Africa and expensive medication, have been astronomical. To help with these costs, the family has set up a fundraiser.
Michelle emphasizes that any donation, no matter how small, can make a difference. “It’s been a long, hard road, and we’re doing everything we can to save our son’s eye,” she said. Raising awareness about the serious risks of spreading the herpes virus has become a top priority for Michelle, who hopes her story will prevent other families from going through similar heartache.
Raising Awareness and Offering Advice
This heartbreaking experience has opened Michelle’s eyes to the importance of raising awareness about the spread of viruses, especially HSV. She wants to make it clear that something as simple as a kiss can cause irreversible harm to a child. “A fever blister is supposed to be on your lips or in your mouth,” Michelle pointed out. “I’ve never in my life heard of a fever blister growing on someone’s cornea.”
While it’s common knowledge that we should avoid close contact with sick individuals, the danger of spreading a virus like HSV is often underestimated. This is a reminder for all of us to be extra cautious, especially around children, who are more vulnerable to infections.
A Lesson for All Parents
This tragic story serves as an important lesson for all parents, reminding them of the risks associated with even the most seemingly innocent actions. While kisses are a natural way to show affection, they can carry hidden dangers if someone is unknowingly carrying the herpes virus. Protecting your child’s health should always be a priority, and taking precautions can help avoid devastating consequences.
Michelle’s story has resonated with many people worldwide, and her message is clear: we must be aware of the risks and do everything we can to protect our children from harm. The emotional and financial toll this situation has taken on Juwan’s family is immense, but they remain hopeful for a brighter future.
If you’d like to learn more about health-related topics and ways to stay safe, check out these articles for additional insights:
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Juwan’s journey is far from over, but with continued support, hope, and medical intervention, there is still a chance for recovery. Let’s send our thoughts and strength to this brave little boy and his family as they continue their fight.
