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Newborn Herpes Infection from Circumcision Routine
18 Mar
Summary
- Herpes infection contracted during circumcision via direct oral suction.
- Baby's infection reached cerebrospinal fluid, impacting the nervous system.
- Health Ministry warns against oral suction, recommends sterile tubes.

A devastating herpes infection, contracted during a ritual circumcision involving direct oral suction, has led to a two-week-old infant's hospitalization. The infection spread to the baby's cerebrospinal fluid, critically endangering the newborn's central nervous system. Doctors at Wolfson Medical Center confirmed the herpes virus entered the infant's system after the mohel performed direct oral suction on the circumcision wound. This practice, despite Health Ministry guidelines advising against it, carries severe risks, including potential disability, developmental impairment, or death for newborns.
The infant is currently undergoing a three-week course of intravenous medication, with further preventive treatment expected. Medical experts emphasize that even adults without active sores can transmit the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) through saliva during direct oral suction. This method has been a subject of ongoing medical and religious debate, with authorities urging the use of sterile tubes to eliminate direct mouth-to-wound contact. Previous cases linked to this practice have been documented internationally and in Israel.




