More evidence was revealed Monday linking West Nile Virus (WNV) to contaminated blood transfusions. In its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Dispatch Report, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that 17 states have reported 33 cases of WNV infection among persons who received a blood transfusion one month before being diagnosed with the illness. The cases were reported to the CDC between August 28 and October 26.

The CDC is advising physicians to immediately report any cases of WNV involving a patient who recently received a blood transfusion. Persons who develop the disorder within 2 weeks of donating blood should also promptly notify health officials.