Newborn hospitalized with herpes after circumcision involving oral suction
A two-week-old newborn at Wolfson Medical Center developed a severe herpes infection after a brit milah that used direct oral suction. The virus was detected in the infant's cerebrospinal fluid, indicating central nervous system involvement; he is receiving IV antiviral therapy for three weeks and may require months of preventive treatment, with potential lifelong neurological harm. Health authorities warn against direct oral suction and urge use of a sterile tube to prevent mouth-to-wound contact, highlighting the Health Ministry's guidelines and the need for parental informed consent.