Give Blood England and Wales

West Nile Virus - A guide for donors

Have you been to or plan to go to CANADA or the UNITED STATES this Summer? If yes, please read the following, as it might affect you giving blood.

WEST NILE VIRUS
CHANGE TO TRAVEL RULES FOR SUMMER 2007

If you have visited or are planning to visit any part of Canada or the United States between 1st May 07 and 30th November 07, we are asking you to wait 28 days after your return before giving blood. This is because of the possible risk of 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 show no signs of the illness. Sometimes the individual will show mild flu-like symptoms, and in a few cases it can develop into a more severe illness.

The virus can be found in the blood of an infected person. If this blood is given to patients, they may go on to develop West Nile Virus infection.

In Europe, infections in humans are very rare. However, in the last few years increased cases have been seen in North America. As a result, it is only sensible to ask donors to wait for a suitable time period after returning from this area, to ensure that they are not infected.

Infections in humans are only likely to occur in the North American mosquito season, between the months of May and November.

Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.
If you have any further questions please call our donor help line on 0300 123 23 23.

If you need any more information or advice after reading this, ring our donor helpline on 0300 123 23 23. Our donor helpline is open for general enquiries 24 hours a day, every day of the year. If you have a non-urgent medical enquiry, please try to contact us between 8.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday.