Romania implements blood donation restrictions due to West Nile virus

The Timișoara Regional Blood Transfusion Center has implemented temporary restrictions on blood donations following confirmed cases of West Nile virus. To protect transfusion recipients, individuals who have traveled to specific regions in Romania—including Argeș, Botoșani, Iași, Suceava, Cluj, Mureș, Bucharest, Giugiu-Răsuceni, Bihor, Satu Mare, Ialomița, or Vaslui—and have been bitten by mosquitoes are currently ineligible to donate. The restriction also applies to travelers from several European countries, including Italy, Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, Austria, Greece, France, Macedonia, Spain, and Germany. Donors returning from these areas may resume donations after 28 days.

In Botoșani, a blood donation campaign titled ‘VIN LA DONAT’ is scheduled for August 28 at the Botoșani Blood Transfusion Center. Organized in partnership with the Cotnari Wine House and the Voluntary Ambulance Service, the event aims to replenish blood reserves necessary for surgeries, emergencies, and complex medical treatments. Organizers emphasize that blood is separated into components, allowing a single donation to assist multiple patients, and are encouraging regular, periodic donations to maintain stable hospital supplies.