West Nile Virus - plasmapheresis donors - Whole Blood and Components

Essential information

Definition/s

West Nile Virus endemic areas are shown in the Geographical Disease Risk Index.

Includes

This entry applies to donors who will only donate plasma for fractionation.

Excludes

This entry does not apply to donors who will donate whole blood, platelets and other cellular components. See West Nile Virus.

Obligatory

Must not donate if:

The donor was diagnosed with WNV and the donor has not fully recovered from their illness.

Discretionary

If the donor has returned from a WNV risk area and the donor is well, accept.

Supporting information

See if relevant

• Geographical Disease Risk Index

Additional information

West Nile Virus is a flavivirus, similar to Dengue Virus, which causes a wide spectrum of infection. This may range from no or minimal symptoms to death. It is geographically widespread, including areas in Europe and other parts of the world not affected by Malaria, and it has reached epidemic proportions in North America in recent years. Mild cases may be misdiagnosed as other febrile illnesses.

The processes used to fractionate plasma include several measures that inactivate or remove viruses. This means that some travel risks described in the GDRI do not need to be applied for donors who will only donate plasma for fractionation.

Reason for change:

This is a new entry.

Version details:

WB-DSG Edition 203 Release 71 (02 May 2024)