Transmission through Blood - Health Canada's Role

National West Nile Virus Info-line
1-800-816-7292

• Can West Nile virus be transmitted through blood?
• Can someone get West Nile virus by giving blood?
• What is Health Canada doing to ensure blood safety since it became known that West Nile virus could be transmitted through blood?
• Is all blood that enters the blood supply now tested for West Nile virus?
• What does Health Canada do to ensure the safety of the blood supply in Canada?
• Why are people with confirmed cases of West Nile virus infection allowed to donate blood again after eight weeks?

Can West Nile virus be transmitted through blood?

Yes. There have been confirmed cases in Canada and the United States of West Nile virus being spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants.

Can someone get West Nile virus by giving blood?

No. Donating blood is a safe procedure and West Nile virus cannot be transmitted in that way.

What is Health Canada doing to ensure blood safety since it became known that West Nile virus could be transmitted through blood?

Health Canada works closely with Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec, the only blood operators in Canada, to ensure that West Nile virus will not be transmitted through the blood supply. In April 2003, a complete submission for the West Nile virus blood donor screening test was received from Roche Diagnostics. This test was given priority review as no other test was available, and was implemented for the 2003 mosquito season.

Health Canada considers safeguarding Canada's blood system from infectious disease threats a top priority. By working closely with the medical industry and blood operators, Health Canada was able to facilitate the rapid development and implementation of the West Nile virus test.

Is all blood that enters the blood supply now tested for West Nile virus?

Yes. Both Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec, the only blood operators in Canada, test all blood for West Nile virus before it is released into the blood supply.

What does Health Canada do to ensure the safety of the blood supply in Canada?

Health Canada regulates blood under the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations, which are aimed at ensuring the safety of blood in Canada. Health Canada's role includes:

• assuring that blood operators follow current laws and regulations
• conducting regular inspections of blood establishments
• licensing the blood establishments
• monitoring the blood system for emerging pathogens
• identifying potential safety threats assessing and managing risks related to blood safety
• assuring that laws and regulations address current safety needs

Why are people with confirmed cases of West Nile virus infection allowed to donate blood again after eight weeks?

West Nile virus only stays in the blood of an infected person for four to seven days. After that, the person's blood contains antibodies to the virus, but does not contain the virus itself. West Nile virus infection is only spread through blood if the blood contains live virus. Donors can donate blood again after a period of eight weeks, which is the normal donation cycle. This period also permits an extra margin of safety to ensure that the virus is no longer present.

For information about the blood operators, visit their Web sites or call their toll-free numbers.

Canadian Blood Services:
1-888-236-6283
 www.bloodservices.ca

Héma-Québec:
1-888-646-2237
 www.hema-quebec.qc.ca