REGULATORY UPDATE: TTD Committee Issues Interim Oropouche Virus Fact Sheet

AABB’s Transfusion Transmitted Disease (TTD) Committee issued an interim Oropouche virus fact sheet on Tuesday with information related to the ongoing outbreak of Oropouche virus in historically endemic areas and new areas in South America.

Between Jan. 1 and Aug. 1, more than 8,000 infections have been reported, mainly in Brazil. According to an Aug. 16 health advisory from CDC’s Health Action Network, this includes two deaths and five cases of vertical transmission associated with fetal death or congenital abnormalities. In the European Union, 19 imported cases have been identified (18 from Cuba and 1 from Brazil) in Germany, Italy and Spain. As of Aug. 17, 11 imported cases have been reported in the U.S.

To date, there have been no reported cases of transmission by blood transfusion or transplantation. However, both viremia and RNA-emia during acute infection have been demonstrated, raising some theoretical concern. There are no Food and Drug Administration-licensed screening tests available and no FDA recommendations for donor screening. AABB reminds members that, as always, donors must be well on the day of donation.

The TTD Committee continues to monitor developments related to the outbreak and will update the fact sheet as needed. Members may contact regulatory@aabb.org with questions.