π¦ Anti-CD20 drugs boost arbovirus risks, says CDC π¦
The CDC is warning clinicians about increased risk of neuroinvasive disease from tick- and mosquito-borne viruses in anti-CD20 therapy users. This warning comes as the US started a strong West Nile virus season, with 30 states reporting disease in 2026. Through August 11, 181 cases were reported, 129 of which were neuroinvasive. These patients are vulnerable because anti-CD20s impair the antibody response, making diagnosis hard. Clinicians are advised to take bite precautions since no known treatments exist for these viruses.