BloodSource Initiates Testing of Donated Blood Today for West Nile Virus, Most Often Spread by Pesky Mosquitoes.Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 30, 2003 BloodSource, California's second largest non-profit, community blood center, initiated testing today for West Nile Virus West Nile virus, microorganism and the infection resulting from it, which typically produces no symptoms or a flulike condition. The virus is a flavivirus and is related to a number of viruses that cause encephalitis. (WNV WNV West Nile Virus WNV World Net Visions ). This virus -- most often spread by mosquitoes -- can be transmitted by an infected donor through blood transfusion blood transfusion, transfer of blood from one person to another, or from one animal to another of the same species. Transfusions are performed to replace a substantial loss of blood and as supportive treatment in certain diseases and blood disorders. , as well as tissue and organ transplantation The transfer of organs such as the kidneys, heart, or liver from one body to another. The transplantation of human organs has become a common medical procedure. Typical organs transplanted are the kidneys, heart, liver, pancreas, cornea, skin, bones, and lungs. . BloodSource is one of 11 blood testing centers screening samples of donated blood from nearly 100 blood donation centers across the United States using a nucleic acid test (NAT (Network Address Translation) An IETF standard that allows an organization to present itself to the Internet with far fewer IP addresses than there are nodes on its internal network. ) developed by Roche Laboratories. This patented polymerase chain reaction polymerase chain reaction (pŏl`ĭmərās') (PCR), laboratory process in which a particular DNA segment from a mixture of DNA chains is rapidly replicated, producing a large, readily analyzed sample of a piece of DNA; the process is (PCR PCR polymerase chain reaction. PCR abbr. polymerase chain reaction Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) ) technology allows very small amounts of selected genetic material to be magnified into detectable levels in only a few hours. The benefit of this test is that it is very sensitive and can detect infectious agents before symptoms occur. BloodSource is not only testing blood donated by people within 18 Northern and Central Counties, but also for other blood banks in the Santa Rosa/Napa area and Fairbanks, Alaska. Blood donors who test positive for WNV will be temporarily deferred from giving blood for 28 days and will be asked to participate in research that will help the blood researchers learn more about WNV. California's budget deficit could impact mosquito abatement programs by reduced funding. "We remind people that one of the most important things we can do to keep the blood supply and people safe from West Nile Virus is to mitigate the problem with fully funded mosquito abatement programs. Good mosquito control is critical. It is also important that we all take personal protection measures as well," says Leslie Botos, BloodSource' public affairs director. West Nile Virus can lead to life threatening illness. WNV was first observed in the United States in 1999. In 2002, more than 4,100 WNV infections in the U.S. resulted in 277 deaths. The virus was primarily found east of the Rocky Mountains, but is steadily moving west. For most people, infection with WNV causes no symptoms, or only mild flu-like symptoms including headache and fever. But in a small percentage of those infected, infection can lead to serious, life threatening illnesses like encephalitis encephalitis (ĕnsĕf'əlī`təs), general term used to describe a diffuse inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, usually of viral origin, often transmitted by mosquitoes, in contrast to a bacterial infection of the meninges (brain infection). More information about WNV is available at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/ People who visit BloodSource during the next few days will receive a toy, non-biting mosquito beanie, as an acknowledgement of WNV testing and a reminder to give blood often. Blood donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be 17 years old (16 with parental permission). There is no longer an upper age limit for giving blood and people who have had cancer and have been cancer-free for at least one year (some exceptions) can donate. For more information about BloodSource, please visit our website at www.bloodsource.org. |
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