West Nile Virus Transmission by Solid Organ Transplantation and Considerations for Organ Donor Screening Practices, United States

West Nile virus (WNV) is the most common domestic arbovirus in the United States. During 2018, WNV was transmitted through solid organ transplantation to 2 recipients who had neuroinvasive disease develop. Because of increased illness and death in transplant recipients, organ procurement organizations should consider screening during region-specific WNV transmission months.

Automated summary

West Nile virus, the most common domestic arbovirus in the United States, can be transmitted through solid organ transplantation and cause neuroinvasive disease. Organ procurement organizations should consider screening during region-specific WNV transmission months due to increased illness and death in transplant recipients.