News article

Breastfeeding and the West Nile Virus

October 4, 2002

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Michigan Department of Community Health have reported that a woman received a blood transfusion containing West Nile virus (WNV) shortly after she gave birth to her baby on 9/2/02. The mother was breastfeeding her baby for the first 17 days, until she was hospitalized for severe persistent headaches and high fever and found to have WNV infection. Evidence of the virus was found in the mother’s milk, but her milk also contained specific antibodies to the virus.

The baby has not become ill. In fact, samples of the baby’s blood at 25 days of age contained WNV antibodies which were likely produced by the baby’s own immune system. This suggests that the baby was exposed to the virus through the mother’s milk but successfully fought it off after being given a “head start” by the antibodies in the milk. The baby continues to be closely monitored for signs of illness.

One of the specific benefits of breast milk is that it contains the mother’s antibodies against illnesses to which she (and hence her baby) may have been exposed. This is why so many studies have shown that breastfed babies are much less likely to become ill (with colds, ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, meningitis and other infections) than babies who receive formula.

This is also why the CDC’s statement¹ makes a point of reaffirming the health benefits of breastfeeding.

For more information, click here: CDC Questions and Answers

Kimberly G Lee, MD, MS

Neonatologist, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

MBC Board of Directors

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Possible West Nile Virus transmission to an infant through breastfeeding. MMWR 2002; 51:877-8. Available online at CDC West Nile Virus article.