With all of the news out there about the Zika virus, how can you protect yourself and your baby? Zika has spread to over 65 countries and has made landfall even here in the U.S. Although generally transmitted through mosquitoes, researchers are discovering that such means as sexual intercourse, bodily fluids such as tears, and even breast milk can transmit the disease to others. There has been no documented case of Zika transmission through breast milk but the risks of transmission are still there and all pregnant women should be cautious.

Key Takeaways:

• The more we learn about Zika, the more frightening it gets. Scientists now say that it’s “scarier than we thought”.
• Over 65 countries have reported Zika outbreaks. In the US, the virus is spreading in Florida, and is expected to spread to Gulf states like Texas and Louisiana soon.
• There really isn’t a lot of good news about Zika. There is no treatment, no cure, and no vaccine, although researchers are working frantically around the clock to change that.

“”The CDC says: “To date, there are no reports of infants getting Zika virus through breastfeeding. Because of the benefits of breastfeeding, mothers are encouraged to breastfeed even in areas where Zika virus is found.“””

https://www.breastfeedingbasics.com/articles/zika-and-breastfeeding