Health Authorities Issue Breastfeeding Guidelines Amid Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak

Health authorities have urged mothers to continue breastfeeding during the Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease (BEVD) outbreak unless they are confirmed to have Ebola, emphasizing that breast milk remains the safest source of nutrition for infants when the mother is healthy.

According to new community guidance, Ebola virus can be transmitted through breast milk, placing infants at high risk of infection if a breastfeeding mother develops the disease. However, officials stressed that healthy mothers without Ebola symptoms should continue breastfeeding, as it provides essential nutrients and protects children against disease and malnutrition.

The guidance recommends that mothers initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, exclusively breastfeed for the first six months, and continue breastfeeding up to two years or beyond while introducing appropriate complementary foods after six months.

Health authorities advise mothers diagnosed with Ebola to stop breastfeeding immediately after confirmation of infection. Infants should be separated from infected mothers to reduce the risk of transmission, while replacement feeding with Ready-to-Use Infant Formula (RUIF) or other age-appropriate alternatives should be provided. In some cases, wet nursing may be considered under medical guidance.

The recommendations also outline feeding options for different situations, including when both mother and infant are infected, when only the infant is infected, and for children older than six months. Mothers who feel unwell are urged to seek immediate medical care for assessment and advice on safe infant feeding practices.

Health workers have also been instructed to strengthen infection prevention measures at nutrition sites by screening caregivers for Ebola symptoms, ensuring hand hygiene, disinfecting equipment, maintaining safe client flow, and promptly referring suspected Ebola cases while continuing essential nutrition services. Psychosocial support for affected mothers is also recommended.

The guidance further warns that women who recover from Bundibugyo Ebola should not resume breastfeeding immediately after discharge. Although they may test negative for the virus in their blood, Ebola virus can persist in breast milk. Recovered mothers are advised to resume breastfeeding only after two consecutive negative breast milk PCR tests. If testing is unavailable or results remain positive, replacement feeding should continue to prevent possible transmission to the infant.

Health authorities say the recommendations are intended to protect infants while ensuring they continue receiving adequate nutrition during the Ebola outbreak.