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16/03/2004
Blood donor ban issued over CJD fears
People who have had blood transfusions will no longer be able to give blood as a precautionary measure against the possible risk of transmitting variant Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease (vCJD), it has been announced today.
Research suggests that vCJD, which is a fatal brain disease, is the result of exposure to the agent that causes BSE in cows.
Health Secretary John Reid said the action was being taken because of an "uncertain but slight risk" and that people should continue to have a blood transfusion when it is necessary.
It follows the first report of possible transmission of vCJD via blood, announced last December. People who received a transfusion before 1980 will still be able to give blood as it is generally accepted there will have been no exposure to BSE in the UK before that date, the health secretary said.
Steps already taken to minimise the possible risk of vCJD being passed through blood include the destruction of blood donated by people subsequently diagnosed with the disease and the use of plasma from the USA.
The National Blood Service is taking steps to make up for the effect of excluding around 50,000 donors on the available blood supply.
"People who can should continue to give blood," the Health Secretary said.
"Blood donation is a safe procedure and people should continue to donate blood regularly. We place great value on those who already donate and would welcome new donors."
(gmcg)
Research suggests that vCJD, which is a fatal brain disease, is the result of exposure to the agent that causes BSE in cows.
Health Secretary John Reid said the action was being taken because of an "uncertain but slight risk" and that people should continue to have a blood transfusion when it is necessary.
It follows the first report of possible transmission of vCJD via blood, announced last December. People who received a transfusion before 1980 will still be able to give blood as it is generally accepted there will have been no exposure to BSE in the UK before that date, the health secretary said.
Steps already taken to minimise the possible risk of vCJD being passed through blood include the destruction of blood donated by people subsequently diagnosed with the disease and the use of plasma from the USA.
The National Blood Service is taking steps to make up for the effect of excluding around 50,000 donors on the available blood supply.
"People who can should continue to give blood," the Health Secretary said.
"Blood donation is a safe procedure and people should continue to donate blood regularly. We place great value on those who already donate and would welcome new donors."
(gmcg)
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