Zika Virus

Acceptability at Recruitment

ACCEPTABLE

Acceptability at CT / Work-Up

QUALIFIED

Individual at Risk

Recipient

Explanation of Condition

Zika virus is a flavivirus that is transmitted to humans through the bite of a carrier mosquito. Zika infection is a rapid acute infection that in the majority of cases is asymptomatic or has very mild general symptoms. A small number of cases may have more apparent symptoms but hospitalisation is rare. Zika infection may be mistaken for Chikungunya or Dengue infections as the virus often co-circulate.

Guidance

Must not donate if it is less than six months from a donor's return from a Tropical Virus Risk endemic area and the donor has been diagnosed or has a history of symptoms suggestive of zika virus infection whilst there or following their return to the UK. This period may be shortened at the discretion of the transplant centre following discussion.

Donors without symptoms may donate four weeks after return from a Zika endemic area.