The National Blood Center (CNS) has introduced new temporary restrictions for those who want to give blood, due to the increase in cases of infection from West Nile Virus (WNV).
Those who have stayed, even for one night, in one of the 31 provinces considered at risk will not be able to donate for a period of 28 days, unless it is undergoing the WNV NAT test, which verifies the possible presence of the virus.
A measure that is part of the largest National Arbovirosi 2020-2025 national plan, which provides for active surveillance and preventive actions to limit the spread of infections transmitted by vectors, such as mosquitoes.
Transfusions are safe and, contrary to what emerged in some press reconstructions, no stop has been imposed on donations due to the diffusion in some Italian regions of the West Nile Virus – they want to clarify from the CNS. In the 31 provinces where, up to now, the virus has been detected, each packet of blood collected is subjected to a special test, the so -called NAT (nucleic acid test) WNV test, which reveals traces of the genetic material of the virus and which therefore allows you to intercept it also in apparently asymptomatic donors.
The regions can then decide, although no obligation, to adopt the NAT tests also in territories where the presence of the virus has not been detected (this is the case for example of Lazio, Campania, Veneto, Friuli, Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna). In the event that they decide not to do it, however, there is any further security measure, the one that provides for the temporary suspension of 28 days only and only for those donors who have stopped, even for one night, in the affected provinces.
The provinces subject to restrictions were gradually included in July 2025, following reports of human cases or positivity found in mosquitoes, birds or other animals. The last update, dated 29 July 2025, concerns the province of Frosinone, after confirming a human case in Sora.
Provinces and dates of the measures:
These measures have a direct impact on those who intend to give blood: anyone who has stayed, even briefly, in one of the provinces listed, will have to wait 28 days or demonstrate negativity to the WNV NAT test. It remains to be clarified how the stay will be ascertained in the risk areas: for now a form of self -certification is assumed.
The situation is constantly evolving and new provinces could be added on the basis of the trend of the contagions detected through the surveillance platforms of the Higher Institute of Health and the Zooprophylactic Institutes.
If you wish to give blood, it is therefore essential to inform yourself in real time about the active measures in your area.
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