Transmission of West Nile Virus from an Organ Donor to Four Transplant Recipients

2003696 citationsJournal Articlebronze Open Access

Authors

Martha Iwamoto · Epidemic Intelligence Service

Daniel B. Jernigan

Antonio Guasch · Emory University

Mary Jo Trepka · Florida Department of Health

Carina Blackmore · Florida Department of Health

Walter C. Hellinger · WinnMed

Si M. Pham · University of Miami

Abstract

Our investigation of this cluster documents the transmission of West Nile virus by organ transplantation. Organ recipients receiving immunosuppressive drugs may be at high risk for severe disease after West Nile virus infection. Blood transfusion was the probable source of the West Nile virus viremia in the organ donor.

Topics & Keywords

Mosquito-borne diseases and control Viral Infections and Vectors Malaria Research and Control

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Good health and well-being

Publication Details

Published in: New England Journal of Medicine

Volume 348, Issue 22, pp. 2196-2203

DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa022987

Field-Weighted Citation Impact: 57.07