Mother Claims 1-Year-Old Got Herpes At Oklahoma Daycare

A mother claims her 1-year-old daughter contracted herpes from a teacher at a daycare center in Oklahoma, KFOR-TV reported Monday.

Consuela Smith said she took her daughter to the doctor when she noticed the sores in her daughter's mouth.

"She started getting blisters all around her mouth and bleeding," Smith told the station.

Doctors told Smith her baby had herpes. Suspecting the source, Smith called the ChildTime daycare center in the state capital Oklahoma City.

"I told her what she had and they told me the worker does have this," the mother of two told KFOR.

ChildTime, which has locations nationwide, released a statement saying they take preventative measures to ensure the well-being of their children.

"We have strict policies and procedures to ensure we meet or exceed regulatory guidelines on health and safety," reads the statement from the daycare's corporate office in Michigan. "We take every precaution to prevent the spread of germs or illness, and investigate any reported concerns."

Despite the daycare's precautions, medical experts say the herpes virus is easily transmitted.

"Herpetic stomatitis is virtually when you have multiple cold sores in your mouth," said Ryan Brown, a doctor at OU Children's Hospital. "Cold sores are normally caused by herpes simplex one virus. They are very easily spread, by kissing, by touching and rubbing something, by saliva."

It will take some time for Smith to get used to the disturbing news.

"I was hurt. I felt sad as a parent and I felt like I let her down," she told the station.

But for now her attention is focused on making sure her daughter receives treatment.

"It's nasty. A one year old walking around with herpes," Smith said.