CDC HAN 532: Risk of Severe Arboviral Disease in Patients Receiving B Cell-Depleting or Modulating Medications
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to share information and notify clinicians, public health authorities, and the public about the risk of severe arboviral neuroinvasive disease among patients who are receiving B cell-depleting or B cell-modulating medications, particularly anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Patients and their providers should be aware of this risk to help patients protect themselves against the bites of mosquitoes and ticks, which can increase patients' risk of arboviral disease.
Recommendations for the Public
Take steps to prevent mosquito and tick bites to lower the risk of vector-borne diseases including arboviral infections:
Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent.
Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors.
Use screens on windows and doors or use air conditioning to keep mosquitoes outside.
Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter where ticks live.
Check clothing, body, gear, and pets for ticks when returning indoors.
Shower soon after being outdoors to check for ticks and help wash off unattached ticks.
If you are taking a medication that suppresses your immune system, know that you could be at higher risk of having severe illness from an infection, including arboviral infections.
Notify your healthcare provider if you have concerning changes to your health, such as persistent headaches, fever, body aches, weakness, loss of balance, or confusion.
Tell your healthcare provider about any recent travel or exposure to mosquitoes or ticks and remind them of the medications you are taking.
Be aware of what mosquito- and tickborne viral diseases might be circulating in your area by visiting your state or local health department or CDC's websites
Additional Information for the Public:
The full CDC HAN can be viewed here:
