What to know
- West Nile virus rarely can be spread through organ transplantation.
- Living organ donors are typically screened for West Nile virus infection prior to donation.
- Deceased organ donors are not routinely screened for West Nile virus infections.
Can I be infected with West Nile virus from a transplanted organ?
Yes, it is possible with roughly one organ donor transmitting West Nile virus to the organ recipients each year in the United States. The risk of being infected with West Nile virus from an organ is not known. The number of West Nile virus disease (West Nile) cases in a year, the time of year, and where the organ donor lives can impact your chance of being infected with West Nile virus from a transplanted organ.
Are organ donors tested for West Nile virus?
Unlike blood donors, not all deceased organ donors are tested for West Nile virus. However, most centers screen living donors and some centers screen deceased donors for West Nile virus. Organ donors might not be tested because of the time it may take to get results. In addition, the current tests for West Nile virus may not work well for all organ donors.
Can I be an organ or tissue donor if I was previously infected with West Nile virus?
You can still become an organ or tissue donor if you have had West Nile virus infection in the past. A small number of patients have been infected with West Nile virus from a transplanted organ. However, those organs came from donors who were infected with West Nile virus days to weeks (not months or years) before their donation. Currently, most deceased organ donors are not screened for West Nile virus.
Will I get very ill if I am infected with West Nile virus from a mosquito after having a transplant?
The risk of a transplant patient getting very ill from West Nile virus is not known. One study found that 1 in 40 persons infected with West Nile virus after a transplant got severe disease. The chance of getting West Nile may depend on your age, other health conditions, medications you are taking, how much West Nile virus is circulating where you live, and what steps you take to prevent mosquito bites.