West Nile Virus and Breast-feeding
Q & A Q. Can
West Nile virus be transmitted through breast milk?
A.
Based on a recent case in Michigan, it appears that West Nile virus can
be transmitted through breast milk. A new mother in Michigan contracted West
Nile virus from a blood transfusion shortly after giving birth. Laboratory
analysis showed evidence of West Nile virus in her breast milk. She breastfed
her infant, and three weeks later, her baby's blood tested positive for West
Nile virus. Because of the infant's minimal outdoor exposure, it is unlikely
that infection was acquired from a mosquito. The infant was most likely infected
through breast milk. The child is healthy, and does not have symptoms of West
Nile virus.
Q. Should
I continue breast-feeding if I am symptomatic for West Nile
virus?
A. Because the health benefits of
breast-feeding are well established, and the risk for West Nile virus
transmission through breast-feeding is unknown, the new findings do not suggest
a change in breast-feeding recommendations. The American Academy of
Pediatricians and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend that
infants be breastfed for a full year of life.
Lactating women
who are ill or who are having difficulty breast-feeding for any reason, as
always, should consult their physicians.
Q. Should
I continue breast-feeding if I am not symptomatic for West Nile
virus?
A. Yes. Because the health benefits of
breast-feeding are well established, and the risk for West Nile virus
transmission through breast-feeding is unknown, the new findings do not suggest
a change in breast-feeding recommendations.
Q. If I am
breast-feeding, should I be tested for West Nile
virus?
A. No. There is no need to be tested just
because you are breast-feeding.
Q. Are
infants at higher risk than other groups for illness with West Nile
virus?
A. No. West Nile virus illnesses in children
younger than 1 year old are infrequent. During 1999-2001, no cases in children
younger than one year of age were reported to CDC. Of the over 2500 total West
Nile Virus cases in 2002, only four were less than one year of age. We know that
one of these infants was not breast-feeding, and investigation of the other
infants is underway.
Q. If I am
breast-feeding, should I use insect repellent containing DEET?
A. Yes. Insect repellents help people reduce their
exposure to mosquito bites that may carry potentially serious viruses such as
West Nile virus, and allow them to continue to play and work outdoors. There are
no reported adverse events following use of repellents containing DEET in
pregnant or breast-feeding women. Click here for more information about using repellents safely.
For
more information and the lstest updates, please visit the CDC
Website
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