JPAC Joint United Kingdom (UK) Blood Transfusion and Tissue Transplantation Services Professional Advisory Committee

West Nile Virus - plasmapheresis donors

For donors who will donate whole blood, platelets and other cellular components see West Nile Virus

Excludes

This entry only applies for donors who will only donate plasma for fractionation. It should not be used for donors who will donate whole blood, platelets and other cellular components.

Definitions

West Nile Virus (WNV) Endemic Areas: are shown in the 'Geographical Disease Risk Index' (GDRI).

Obligatory

Must not donate if:

The donor was diagnosed with West Nile Virus 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.

See if Relevant

The '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.

Update Information

This entry was last updated in:
WB-DSG Edition 203 Release 71