West Nile Virus Biovigilance Network

The West Nile Virus (WNV) Biovigilance Network collects and reports data on donors (of blood, tissue and hematopoietic progenitor cells) with suspected WNV infection in the United States and Canada. Data are collected from donor screening test results performed by nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT). The data are reported to the AABB site by facilities responsible for collecting and/or testing virtually all blood donations in the United States and Canada.

This section includes a map showing locations where suspected WNV positive donors have been identified; background on the development of this electronic surveillance system; and a password-protected area for reporting of test results.

West Nile Virus Suspected Cases

This map shows suspected reactive donations and presumed viremic donations (PVDs) by residential postal code of the donor in the United States and Canada. Each pinpoint shown on this map represents the center of the residential postal code of the donor from which the suspected WNV reactive donation was reported, and not the specific address or location of any individual or facility. A PVD is defined as 1) a WNV-initially reactive donation with a signal-to-cutoff (S/CO) ratio of greater than or equal to 17 using the WNV transcription-mediated Amplification Assay (Hologic/Gen-Probe and Novartis) or 2) a WNV-initially reactive donation with an S/CO ratio of less than 17 if upon repeat testing the sample is repeatedly reactive. Similarly, WNV-initially reactive donations identified using the Cobas TaqScreen WNV Test (Roche) should be retested to determine if they are PVDs based on repeat reactivity. PVDs have a 95% or greater chance of being confirmed positive by additional testing (repeat testing from an independent sample including the same or alternate WNV NAT and/or IgM reactivity at index or follow-up testing; Zou et al). Participating facilities report suspected reactive donations as they occur based on test results.

Suspected Viremic Donations Collected and Confirmed

This bar graph identifies the total number of suspected reactive donations and presumed viremic donations (PVDs) by week of donation as identified through NAT. A PVD is defined as 1) a WNV-initially reactive donation with a signal-to-cutoff (S/CO) ratio of greater than or equal to 17 using the WNV Transcription-mediated Amplification Assay (Hologic/Gen-Probe and Novartis) or 2) a WNV-initially reactive donation with an S/CO ratio of less than 17 if upon repeat testing the sample is repeatedly reactive. Similarly, WNV-initially reactive donations identified using the Cobas TaqScreen WNV Test (Roche) should be retested to determine if they are PVDs based on repeat reactivity. Suspected reactive donations are reported by facilities as they occur based on the test results.

WNV Data Collection and Reports

WNV Data Collection (password-protected)
WNV Data Reports (password-protected)

Background

This electronic data network, initiated in 2006, was developed by the WNV Task Force. The task force included representatives from AABB, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Defense, American Red Cross, America’s Blood Centers, Canadian Blood Services and United Blood Services. The WNV Task Force accepted this charge as part of AABB’s mission to improve patient safety with respect to transfusion medicine and, in particular, to fulfill its stated goal of taking a leadership role in creating a biovigilance system in the United States.

This tool is intended to support and enhance an identification and tracking initiative that AABB had developed in partnership with FDA and CDC when WNV first became a public health concern. This resource is not intended to supplant or replace public health agency data collection, or to predict the occurrence, frequency or location of WNV, but rather to support public health agencies, blood collection facilities and transfusion services.

The data posted on this Web site are provided by third parties and are not verified by AABB. Accordingly, AABB makes no guarantee or promise that the data are current, valid, or accurate. No content on this site is intended to constitute professional advice, whether medical, legal or otherwise. AABB expressly disclaims any liability or loss that may arise either directly or indirectly from relying on the information, services or other material on this site.

Reporting facilities that are HIPAA-compliant should report only patient data that has been de-identified in accordance with HIPAA de-identification standards, according to which only states of residence, not zip codes, may be reported. AABB is not responsible for reporting facilities’ compliance with federal, state or local laws or regulations.

Resources

Association Bulletin #13-02 - West Nile Virus Nucleic Acid Testing – Revised Recommendations (member content)
Questions and Answers for Association Bulletin #13-02 Titled "West Nile Virus Nucleic Acid Testing - Revised Recommendations" (member content)

Support

WNV Biovigilance Network Training Guide (PDF)
WNV Biovigilance Network FAQ (PDF)

For technical support or for more information, call +1.800.793.9376 (weekdays between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm ET).