Can West Nile virus (WNV) be transmitted by blood transfusion or organ donation?
Cases investigated in 2002 indicate that WNV can be transmitted by organ transplantation and by blood transfusion. CDC is continuing to investigate these modes of transmission. The FDA has issued an alert to blood banks and other related organizations to be vigilant in excluding individuals who may have early symptoms of WNV from donating blood. CDC has requested physicians to notify public health authorities of any patients who develop symptoms of WNV with 4 weeks of blood transfusion or a organ transplantation.
