Can West Nile virus be transmitted through breast milk?
Based on a case in Michigan in 2002, 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. She breastfed her infant, and three weeks later, her baby’s blood tested positive for West Nile virus. Laboratory analysis showed evidence of West Nile virus in her breast milk. 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 remained healthy, and did not get symptoms of West Nile virus.
Possibly. It appears that West Nile virus may be transmitted to infants through breast milk. In 2002, a woman developed encephalitis due to West Nile virus acquired through a blood transfusion she received shortly after giving birth. Laboratory analysis showed evidence of West Nile virus in breast milk collected from the mother soon after she became ill. She had been breastfeeding her infant and approximately 3-4 weeks after birth the infant tested positive for the West Nile virus. Because of the infant’s minimal outdoor exposure, it is unlikely that the infection was transmitted by a mosquito. The infant had no symptoms of West Nile virus and remained healthy.
A. Based on a 2002 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 infection.
Possibly. It appears that West Nile virus may be transmitted to infants through breast milk. In 2002, a woman developed encephalitis due to West Nile virus acquired through a blood transfusion she received shortly after giving birth. Laboratory analysis showed evidence of West Nile virus in breast milk collected from the mother soon after she became ill. She had been breastfeeding her infant and approximately 3-4 weeks after birth the infant tested positive for the West Nile virus. Because of the infant’s minimal outdoor exposure, it is unlikely that the infection was transmitted by a mosquito. The infant had no symptoms of West Nile virus as a newborn and has remained healthy.
