ECDC Report Examines European Dengue-Related Donor Deferral Practices

A new report from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) examines blood donor assessment and deferral strategies related to dengue virus (DENV) among European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries. The report includes responses from 22 of the 30 countries that participate in the Blood Group of SoHO-Net, ECDC’s network focused on substances of human origin.

In the survey, 91% of responding countries reported deferring donors returning from dengue-endemic areas, but only 55% reported deferral criteria for those returning from affected, non-endemic areas within the EU/EEA.

Deferral based on travel history was the most common safety measure, with most countries applying a 28-day deferral after travel to affected areas and a 120-day deferral following confirmed DENV infection. Only three countries – Cyprus, France and Italy – reported using nucleic acid testing for dengue as a screening tool. The report also highlighted inconsistencies in how countries define “affected areas,” with different member states reporting risk levels being applied at the country, regional or municipal level.

Beginning this year, ECDC plans to publish weekly surveillance updates on its website. The organization also plans to publish formal guidelines on preventing the transmission of arboviruses, including DENV, through SoHO.

Additional information about DENV is available in AABB’s Emerging Infectious Diseases Fact Sheets.