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Is
West Nile virus transmitted by blood transfusion?
To date, there are no documented instances where West Nile
virus was
transmitted through transfusion. However, the virus may be
transiently
present in the blood of those infected, so it is possible
that this could
occur.
What
is being done about this possibility?
On August 17, 2002, FDA issued an alert to blood banks and
organizations to be vigilant in excluding individuals who
may have early symptoms of West Nile virus from donating blood.
In addition, the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention have asked that blood banks
and others report any cases where a blood recipient develops
West Nile virus for investigation of whether transfusion could
have been involved. Such an investigation is now being conducted
by CDC to determine whether blood transfusion or donor organs
may have been a source for the possible West Nile virus cases
in the current transplant recipients.
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What else can be done to protect
people against this possible threat?
In this case, even though a blood source is unproven at this
time, as a
precaution, to protect others, blood banks are recalling any
remaining units
of blood products from all donors whose blood was administered
to the
transplant donor. There is currently no validated blood test
to screen
donated blood. If it is shown that people without symptoms
can transmit West Nile virus through donating blood, public
health partners will work with others to help facilitate availability
of such a test.
Should people avoid donating blood
or getting blood transfusions?
Blood is lifesaving and is currently in short supply. Donating
blood is safe and we encourage blood donation now and in the
future. For patients who need a blood transfusion, the benefits
far outweigh any risks.
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How can blood banks avoid collecting
blood from donors who may have West Nile virus?
Most people who have West Nile virus do not show symptoms
making it difficult to defer them from donation. However,
some individuals develop minor symptoms of fever and headache.
Blood banks need to be vigilant to defer all of those who
may have minor illnesses especially in areas where West Nile
virus is most active.
If a person has had West Nile virus,
can they still donate blood?
With West Nile virus infection, the viremia usually is transient
and people recover very quickly. Blood centers will take precautions
to be sure that donors who have been diagnosed with West Nile
virus have fully recovered before donating.
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If
I recently had a transfusion, should I be concerned about
getting
West Nile virus?
There
have been no cases where transmission by blood transfusion
has
been documented. Although, by natural routes, infection would
probably be
expected in 2-14 days, it is unknown what incubation period
would be
expected if transmission were transmitted by transfusion.
If you have
symptoms of West Nile virus or other concerns you should contact
your
physician.
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