IBTS extends temporary deferral for West Nile Virus to Algarve

IBTS extends temporary deferral for West Nile Virus to Algarve

Following confirmation that two Irish tourists contracted West Nile Virus while on holiday in the Algarve, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service will introduce a temporary deferral for donors returning from holidays in the region.

The new deferral means that people will not be eligible to donate for 28 days after they return from the Algarve. This change in deferral policy will come into effect on Wednesday 28th July.  A similar deferral policy is in place regarding people returning from the US, Canada and New Mexico.  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 recipient may go on to develop West Nile Virus infection.

"In Europe infections in humans are very rare. The viral strain is different and associated with a less severe illness than the US strain. However, as a precaution, we are asking donors to wait for four weeks before donating blood following their return from this area to ensure the safety of the blood supply," said Deputy National Medical Director, Dr Emer Lawlor.

ENDS