Overview

• Hayley Riches’ daughter Violet was diagnosed with neonatal HSV-1 at eight days old and died of multi-organ failure at one month despite receiving antiviral treatment.
• Violet was moved from Worthing Hospital to Southampton General Hospital and then flown to King’s College Hospital, where she awaited a liver transplant on the UK’s highest priority list.
• Doctors were unable to determine the source of Violet’s infection and warn that HSV-1 can be passed by asymptomatic carriers through simple oral contact.
• After welcoming her second daughter, Lily, in August 2024, Riches has prohibited kissing and required handwashing for all visitors to protect her infant.
• On June 12, 2025, Riches shared her experience with multiple news outlets to highlight the risks of casual contact and urge parents to adopt rigorous hygiene around newborns.