Can chikungunya virus infection be transmitted from a mother to her child during pregnancy or childbirth?

Yes, it is possible for chikungunya virus infection to be transmitted from an infected mother to her child, although this is considered rare in most stages of pregnancy [3]. There are two main transmission scenarios: transmission during pregnancy (intrauterine) and transmission during childbirth (perinatal) [3]. The risk of this transmission is considered highest when the mother is in the viremic phase (virus present in the blood) at the time of delivery, which may lead to severe illness in the infant [4].

Transmission During Pregnancy and Childbirth

Although most cases of maternal chikungunya infection during pregnancy do not result in transmission to the fetus, the risk remains, particularly during the perinatal period [4]. When a mother is infected and symptomatic (with the virus in her blood) at the time of delivery, the virus may be transmitted to the newborn in up to 50% of cases [4]. In these cases, the infant may exhibit acute clinical symptoms requiring close and intensive medical monitoring [4]. Transmission via the intrauterine route (during the pregnancy itself) is rare, and there have been very rare reports of spontaneous abortion following maternal infection in the first trimester [4].

Risks to the Newborn

If the infant is infected during childbirth (perinatal transmission), the newborn may face serious health complications [3]. Potential complications include hemorrhagic symptoms, heart conditions (such as myocarditis), and acute neurological problems [4]. Newborns exposed to the infection in this manner are classified among those at highest risk for severe disease, highlighting the importance of immediate medical follow-up if the mother has chikungunya symptoms in the days close to the expected due date [4].

Breastfeeding and Prevention

Based on current studies, the chikungunya virus has not been found in breast milk, and there are no reports indicating that infants have been infected through breastfeeding [3]. Because the benefits of breastfeeding significantly outweigh the limited theoretical risks, experts recommend that mothers continue to breastfeed their children, even if they are infected with the virus or live in areas where the virus is prevalent [3]. However, one should always coordinate with a doctor for personalized advice [3].

Important Preventive Steps

If you are pregnant or planning to travel, the best strategy to protect yourself and your child is strict prevention of mosquito bites, especially in areas experiencing disease outbreaks [3]. You can find more details about preventive measures and diagnosis in our article on Chikungunya fever symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention of mosquito bites (Arabic). Basic measures include:

• Using an approved insect repellent correctly and following label instructions [1].
• Wearing clothing that covers the entire arms, legs, and feet to reduce the area of skin exposed to bites [1].
• Staying in indoor, air-conditioned environments or areas with protective screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquito entry [1].
• If you are in late pregnancy, doctors may recommend avoiding travel to areas with active chikungunya outbreaks to minimize the risk of exposure [4].

Medical references

• Chikungunya
• Chikungunya: Causes and How It Spreads | Chikungunya Virus | CDC
• Chikungunya | CDC Yellow Book™