Yellow fever vaccine virus transmitted through breastfeeding
18 February 2011
Canadian doctors have reported a case where the vaccine strain of yellow fever virus was most probably transmitted to a baby through breastfeeding (Canadian Medical Association Journal 2011; online 7 Feb).
Recommendations for women who are breastfeeding to avoid yellow fever vaccination have been made on "theoretical grounds only", the paediatricians said. But the latest report brings to 4 the probable cases of transmission via breast milk worldwide. The baby recovered with no long-term brain damage.
The Australian Health Department advises mothers who are breastfeeding to reconsider travel in areas where yellow fever is endemic (occurs regularly) or to discuss avoiding breastfeeding with their doctor.
Last Reviewed: 18 February 2011
- Kuhn S, Twele-Montecinos L, Macdonald J, et al. Case report: probable transmission of vaccine strain of yellow fever virus to an infant via breast milk. CMAJ 2011; Feb 7. [Epub ahead of print]. doi:10.1503/cmaj.100619. http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/rapidpdf/cmaj.100619v1 (accessed Feb 2011).
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