Should people avoid donating blood or getting blood transfusions or organ transplants?
Donating blood is safe and is still strongly encouraged. Approximately 4.5 million people receive blood or blood products annually. Although, persons needing blood transfusion or organ transplants should be aware of the risk for WNV infection, the benefits of receiving needed transfusions or transplants most usually outweigh the potential risk for WNV infection.
Blood is lifesaving and is currently in short supply. Donating blood is safe, and we encourage blood donation now and in the future. Approximately 4.5 million persons receive blood or blood products annually. Although persons needing blood transfusions or organ transplants should be aware of the risk for WNV infection, the benefits of receiving needed transfusions or transplants outweigh the potential risk for WNV infection.
Related Questions
- I’ve heard that West Nile virus can be spread through blood transfusions or organ transplants. What is the Maine CDC doing about testing people before they donate blood?
- We always hear that there is a real need for organ donors, but what are the numbers? How many people are waiting for transplants right now?
- Should people avoid donating blood or getting blood transfusions or organ transplants?
