West Nile Fever (WNF)
Infection caused by the Western Nile virus, which is an arbovirus-flavivirus transmitted by mosquito bite.
Reservoir: birds. Vector: mosquitoes. Host: horses and humans.
The disease usually appears asymptomatic (80% of cases) or with mild flu symptoms. Less than 1% of affected patients develop meningoencephalitis and other serious features. It has an incubation period from 5 to 15 days.
Although there has been a documented case of transmission through breastfeeding (positive RNA and specific IgM antibodies in the milk with positive plasma IgM antibody in the infant), the child remained asymptomatic (CDC 2002).
Among six breastfed infants whose mothers were diagnosed as positively infected, who subsequently had serologic tests for West Nile virus that were negative, only one of them exhibited a slight skin rash (Hinckley 2007).
Under current information, the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risk of disease in infants, in such a way that mothers, even from endemic areas, should be encouraged to breastfeed their infants (Hayes 2005).
Very Low Risk
Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.
Low Risk
Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.
High Risk
Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.
Very High Risk
Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.
Synonyms
- Infection by the West Nile virus
Drug trade names
References
- Garcia-Loygorri MC, De Luis D, Torreblanca B, March GA, Bachiller MR, Eiros JM. La leche materna como vehículo de transmisión de virus. [Beast Milk as vehicle of transmission of virus]. Nutr Hosp. 2015Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
- Hinckley AF, O'Leary DR, Hayes EB. Transmission of West Nile virus through human breast milk seems to be rare. Pediatrics. 2007Abstract
- Hayes EB, Komar N, Nasci RS, Montgomery SP, O'Leary DR, Campbell GL. Epidemiology and transmission dynamics of West Nile virus disease. Emerg Infect Dis. 2005Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
- Hayes EB, O'Leary DR. West Nile virus infection: a pediatric perspective. Pediatrics. 2004Abstract
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Possible West Nile virus transmission to an infant through breast-feeding--Michigan, 2002. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2002Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)