Case report: Detection of varicella‐zoster virus DNA in maternal breast milk

Abstract
A 27-year-old woman developed chickenpox postpartum. Her 2-month-old son who was breast fed also acquired chickenpox 16 days after the onset of the mother's illness. Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) DNA was detected in maternal breast milk by the polymerase chain reaction. These results suggest that transmission of VZV may occur via maternal breast milk.