The Monkey Pox virus (MPX) is transmitted through body fluids and close contact. Monkeypox is a viral infection that requires special consideration during pregnancy and breastfeeding: it is expected to transfer into human milk, and fetal infections have been reported (vertical transmission).1
Currently, the CDC strongly recommends against breastfeeding with monkeypox. It is believed that the monkeypox virus will transfer into human milk, and more importantly, close contact can transmit the disease to the infant.2
When the breastfeeding parent recovers and the lesions are healed (scabbed over and covered by normal skin), the infant could return to breastfeeding. However, it can easily take 4 weeks to reach this phase.
Donors should discuss any illness with their recipient and consult a healthcare provider in case of an infection.
Please see How can human milk be pasteurized at home? for more information on heat-treating and pathogens.
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