Grieving mum of dead newborn pleads: "Don’t let people kiss your baby."

A newborn baby in the United States has passed away after being kissed by someone with herpes.

Mariana Reese Sifrit, who was just 18 days old, died after a short battle with Meningitis HSV1.

Her mother, Nicole Sifrit, posted a tribute to her daughter on Facebook, writing: “Our princess Mariana Reese Sifrit gained her angel wings at 8:41 am this morning in her daddy’s arms and her mommy right beside her.

“Thank you to everyone who has followed her journey and supported us through this. In her 18 days of life she made a huge impact on the world and we hope with Mariana’s Story we save numerous [sic] newborns life. R.I.P. sweet angel.”

The doctors believe the newborn contracted Meningitis HSV1 through a kiss and both parents tested negative to the virus.

The Sifrit’s are now warning other parents about the dangers of letting people kiss their newborn babies.

Speaking to WHOtv.com, Nicole advised parents not to let “just anyone” visit their baby, and to keep their baby isolated in those early stages.

“Don’t let people kiss your baby and make sure they ask before they pick up your baby,” she said.

Nicole, and her husband Shane, welcomed little Mariana into the world on July 1 before getting married six days later. Just two hours after they tied the knot, they noticed something wasn’t right with Mariana.

They rushed her to Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines and found out she had Meningitis HSV1, a life threatening virus which is usually transmitted from a cold sore through a kiss.

Once admitted to hospital Mariana’s condition rapidly deteriorated and within a few days she had lost brain activity and her heart and lungs also began to fail.

Mariana passed away yesterday when she was just 18 days old and since then Nicole’s Facebook page has been flooded with messages of support.

“I am a complete stranger to you, but I wanted to reach out by sending my condolences on such a heartbreaking loss. May time heal your soul, and the positive memories of Mariana remain with you and your husband always,” one person commented.

“So heartbreaking. So very sorry or your loss. Sending love and healing your way,” added another.

Would you let someone kiss your baby?