West Nile Virus
What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile Virus is an infection in birds, which can occasionally be transmitted to humans via the bites of certain mosquitoes. Normally the infected person will not show signs of the illness. Sometimes the individual may have mild flu-like symptoms and, in a few cases, it can develop into a more severe illness.
The virus is present in the blood of an infected person. If this blood is transfused the patient may go on to develop West Nile Virus infection.
If you have been unwell during your visit abroad (or since your return from abroad) please phone us at 1850 731137 so that we might advise you on your eligibility to donate.
Number of Cases
In the last few years increased numbers of cases have been reported in North America. Occasional cases have also occurred in parts of Europe, such as certain regions in Italy, Macedonia, Israel and Russia. We ask donors to wait 4 weeks before giving blood, if they have been to an area at-risk of WNV, to ensure that they are not infected. As WNV is transmitted by mosquitoes, the at-risk areas change according to the seasons. Sometimes cases of WNV are reported in areas where they have not occurred before. As the areas at-risk of WNV change over time and with the seasons, we advise that you ask us for further information if you have been abroad recently by contacting us at 1850 731137.
For example, if you visited Canada, or any of the states of the USA between 1 April and 30 November, we ask that you do not give blood for 4 weeks after you left these areas. However, if you visited Canada, Alaska or certain North Eastern States such as Connecticut, Maine, New Jersey or New York, between 1 December and 31 March you are not at risk of WNV and do not have to wait 4 weeks before you can give blood. If you visited Hawaii, at any time of the year, you have to wait 3 months before giving blood as it is a tropical state.
Cases of West Nile Virus have also been reported from Mexico and Cuba. However as these countries are tropical, you have to wait 3 months before giving blood.
Contact
If you need any further information please ask a member of staff at the blood donor clinic or contact our Donor Services Helpline at 1850 731 137 or send us your query.