Breast feeding

West Nile virus can be transmitted through breast milk.  In September 2002, a new mother in Michigan was given post-delivery transfusions because of anemia.  Twelve days after delivery, the woman developed severe fever and headaches and tests showed that she had developed WNV, which was later traced to an infected blood donor whose blood had also infected another patient.  The mother had breast fed her baby since birth.  Her breast milk was examined and found to be infected with WNV.  Tests on the baby, who did not become ill, showed that the child was also infected with WNV.  There is little likelihood that the child could have been infected through another means than the breast milk. 

There is no record of an infant under 1 year of age becoming ill from WNV. At this time, because the benefits of breast-feeding are well-established and the risks of transmission to infants is not known, there are no recommendations that people change breast-feeding practices because of WNV.

FAQ WNV Breastfeeding (CDC)

• If I am pregnant or breastfeeding, should I use insect repellents?
  • Yes. Protecting yourself from mosquito bites is the only way to prevent infection with West Nile virus. In addition to wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeve shirts and long pants, use insect repellents. Repellents containing active ingredients which have been registered with the EPA are considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. More information about using insect repellents is available here.
• Can West Nile virus be transmitted through breast milk?
  • Possibly. It appears that West Nile virus may be transmitted through breast milk, but there is no evidence that a mother’s West Nile Virus infection harms her breastfeeding infant. CDC recommends that women with West Nile Virus illness continue breastfeeding because the benefits of breast milk are thought to outweigh the theoretical risk of harm to the infant.
• Should I continue breastfeeding if I have West Nile virus disease?
  • Yes. The risk for West Nile virus transmission through breastfeeding is unknown. However, the health benefits of breastfeeding are well established. Therefore, there are no recommendations for a woman to stop breastfeeding because of West Nile virus illness

Instant feedback:

References

CDC. West Nile Virus Home. Frequently Asked Questions. Pregnancy & Breastfeeding. Last reviewed 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/maternal-or-infant-illnesses/west-nile-virus.html