If you want to donate blood, you will now also be asked about your holiday trips within Europe.
West Nile fever
West Nile fever is common in popular holiday destinations such as Italy, Greece and Turkey. This is a disease that used to be only in tropical countries, but nowadays there is an advance in countries in Europe. That is why Sanquin, the institution behind the blood banks, decided that blood donors who have been in a risk area are not allowed to donate blood for four weeks after their return.
Good protection
The West Nile virus was found in the three popular holiday destinations last year. But the disease also occurs in Romania, Hungary and Russia. The transferors? Mosquitoes. It is therefore important to familiarize yourself well in southeastern Europe (and in tropical countries) smear with an insect repellent such as DEET. If you also cover your arms and legs as much as possible, it will be very difficult for the mosquitoes to get your hands on it!
