Is Zika Virus Infection compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Zika Virus Infection?

Zika Virus Infection

July 8, 2016 (Very Low Risk)

Flaviviruses are mainly transmitted by the bite of Aedes mosquitoes (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus or Tiger mosquito) from infected reservoirs that are mostly humans but may also be various animals.

It has been documented sporadically transmission by sexual intercourse and vertically from the mother to the child (transplacental and perinatal). Ongoing research on the relationship between placental transmission and congenital microcephaly is currently held. Also of concern is a possible transmission by blood transfusion.

Although RNA-particles of Zika virus have been found in breast milk, transmission of the infection through breastfeeding has not been documented.

The viral infection is asymptomatic in 75% of cases. Only one out of four infected persons generally develop benign symptoms with few complications in adults and children and even infants, with rare admission of patients. Two infants had positive test for the virus, presumably after perinatal transmission, one remained asymptomatic and the other one with mild symptoms that doubtfully were due to the virus. Both, as well as their mothers evolved favorably (Besnard, 2014).

Given the benefits of breastfeeding, expert committees like The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend breastfeeding even in areas where there is the presence of Zika virus.

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.

References

  1. CDC. Questions and Answers for Pediatric Healthcare Providers: Infants and Zika Virus Infection. HC-Providers-01/26. 2016 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. World Health Organization. Breastfeeding in the context of Zika virus. Interim guidance, 25 February 2016 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. CDC. Zika Virus Transmission. 2016-02-03. 2016 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. CDC. Preguntas y respuestas para proveedores de atención médica pediátrica: Los bebés y la infección por el virus del Zika. HC-Proveedores-02/02. 2016 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Musso D, Roche C, Robin E, Nhan T, Teissier A, Cao-Lormeau VM. Potential sexual transmission of Zika virus. Emerg Infect Dis. 2015Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  6. Musso D, Nhan T, Robin E, Roche C, Bierlaire D, Zisou K, Shan Yan A, Cao-Lormeau VM, Broult J. Potential for Zika virus transmission through blood transfusion demonstrated during an outbreak in French Polynesia, November 2013 to February 2014. Euro Surveill. 2014Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  7. Besnard M, Lastere S, Teissier A, Cao-Lormeau V, Musso D. Evidence of perinatal transmission of Zika virus, French Polynesia, December 2013 and February 2014. Euro Surveill. 2014Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  8. Foy BD, Kobylinski KC, Chilson Foy JL, Blitvich BJ, Travassos da Rosa A, Haddow AD, Lanciotti RS, Tesh RB. Probable non-vector-borne transmission of Zika virus, Colorado, USA. Emerg Infect Dis. 2011Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  9. Hayes EB. Zika virus outside Africa. Emerg Infect Dis. 2009Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  10. Duffy MR, Chen TH, Hancock WT, Powers AM, Kool JL, Lanciotti RS, Pretrick M, Marfel M, Holzbauer S, Dubray C, Guillaumot L, Griggs A, Bel M, Lambert AJ, Laven J, Kosoy O, Panella A, Biggerstaff BJ, Fischer M, Hayes EB. Zika virus outbreak on Yap Island, Federated States of Micronesia. N Engl J Med. 2009Abstract Full text (link to original source)