FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kim Cavaliero (847) 519-7730, ext. 233, Mary Lofton, ext.
271, or
Mary Hurt, ext. 286

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL GIVE OK FOR CONTINUED BREASTFEEDING IN MOTHERS WITH WEST NILE VIRUS

Schaumburg, IL (October 2002)--The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) in their latest issue of the Morbidity and Mortality
Weekly Report state that the health benefits of breastfeeding are
well established while the risk for West Nile Virus transmission
through breastfeeding are unknown.

Concern had arisen in the case of a mother who apparently became
infected with the virus from a blood transfusion. Later, her
breastfed infant, who had little exposure to mosquitoes, was found to
test positive for West Nile Virus and its antibodies. The CDC
stressed that the infant has remained healthy and that no live virus
has been cultured from human milk at this point.

Dr. Lyle Petersen of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
was quoted in an Associated Press article stating, "If she has severe
disease and cannot breastfeed easily and provide sufficient nutrition
to her child, we certainly in that case recommend supplemental
feeding." He continued, "On the other hand, breastfeeding has many
beneficial effects…and the decision to discontinue breastfeeding is a
big one."

The CDC findings suggest that breastfeeding remains the preferred
method of infant feeding even in the face of maternal West Nile Virus
Infection. Mothers with additional questions or concerns should
contact their physicians.

La Leche League International, the world's foremost authority on
breastfeeding, is the largest resource for breastfeeding and related
information and products. Mothers who contact LLL find answers to
their questions on breastfeeding and support from other parents.
Local LLL Groups in over sixty countries meet monthly to discuss
breastfeeding and related issues. La Leche League Leaders are also
available by telephone to offer information and encouragement when
women have questions about breastfeeding. For information about
breastfeeding or to find an LLL Group in your area visit our website
at www.lalecheleague.org or call us at (847) 519-7730.