The reason is the increase in cases of West Nile virus, which has been recorded in neighbouring France and Italy as well as southeastern European countries.
Swiss health authorities have introduced a 30-day waiting period for potential donors who have just returned from a country where the virus has been reported. The virus spreads via migratory birds and local mosquitoes. The incubation period is ten days, and infected people often show no symptoms.
So far there have been no reports of West Nile virus in Switzerland this year. If five cases are reported, the Federal Office of Public HealthExternal link will require that every blood donor be tested.
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