Evaluation of the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through breast milk: a case series
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Updated: Jul 24, 2025
Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets
Published on: September 6, 2019
Yayoi Murano1,2,3, Shinya Yamahira4, Hiromichi Shoji3
1Division of Pediatrics, Toshima Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
Whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is transmitted through breast milk remains controversial. This study aimed to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in breast milk and assess its transmissibility to the child in infancy. Eleven samples were obtained from nine mothers with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). All but one sample had negative results on a reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Among nine children, five were diagnosed with COVID-19, including one child whose mother's milk tested positive. Although SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in breast milk, its possible transmission via breastfeeding could not be established. Thus, we conclude that the physical attachment between mother and child is a conceivable transmission route.
Whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is transmitted through breast milk remains controversial. This study aimed to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in breast milk and assess its transmissibility to the child in infancy. Eleven samples were obtained from nine mothers with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). All but one sample had negative results on a reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Among nine children, five were diagnosed with COVID-19, including one child whose mother's milk tested positive. Although SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in breast milk, its possible transmission via breastfeeding could not be established. Thus, we conclude that the physical attachment between mother and child is a conceivable transmission route.
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