Epidemic potential of Zika virus in Australia: implications for blood transfusion safety

Peter Watson-Brown; Elvina Viennet; Gina Mincham; Craig R Williams; Cassie C Jansen; Brian L Montgomery; Robert L. P. Flower; Helen M Faddy

doi:10.1111/trf.15095

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Epidemic potential of Zika virus in Australia: implications for blood transfusion safety

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Epidemic potential of Zika virus in Australia: implications for blood transfusion safety

Peter Watson-Brown, Elvina Viennet, Gina Mincham, Craig R Williams, Cassie C Jansen, Brian L Montgomery, Robert L. P. Flower and Helen M Faddy

Transfusion, Vol.59(2), pp.648-658

2019

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/trf.15095

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Abstract

Cardiovascular Medicine and Haematology

Clinical Sciences

Immunology

BACKGROUND: Zika virus (ZIKV) is transfusiontransmissible. In Australia the primary vector, Aedes aegypti, is established in the north-east, such that local transmission is possible following importation of an index case, which has the potential to impact on blood transfusion safety and public health. We estimated the basic reproduction number (R0) to model the epidemic potential of ZIKV in Australian locations, compared this with the ecologically similar dengue viruses (DENV), and examined possible implications for blood transfusion safety. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Varying estimates of vector control efficiency and extrinsic incubation period, "best-case" and "worst-case" scenarios of monthly R0 for ZIKV and DENV were modeled from 1996 to 2015 in 11 areas. We visualized the geographical distribution of blood donors in relation to areas with epidemic potential for ZIKV. RESULTS: Epidemic potential (R0 > 1) existed for ZIKV and DENV throughout the study period in a number of locations in northern Australia (Cairns, Darwin, Rockhampton, Thursday Island, Townsville, and Brisbane) during the warmer months of the year. R0 for DENV was greater than ZIKV and was broadly consistent with annual estimates in Cairns. Increased vector control efficiency markedly reduced the epidemic potential and shortened the season of local transmission. Australian locations that provide the greatest number of blood donors did not have epidemic potential for ZIKV. CONCLUSION: We estimate that areas of northeastern Australia could sustain local transmission of ZIKV. This early contribution to understanding the epidemic potential of ZIKV may assist in the assessment and management of threats to blood transfusion safety.

Details

Title: Epidemic potential of Zika virus in Australia: implications for blood transfusion safety
Authors: Peter Watson-Brown (Author) - Australian Red Cross Blood Service
Elvina Viennet (Corresponding Author) - Australian Red Cross Blood Service
Gina Mincham (Author) - University of South Australia
Craig R Williams (Author) - University of South Australia
Cassie C Jansen (Author) - Queensland Health
Brian L Montgomery (Author) - Queensland Health
Robert L. P. Flower (Author) - Australian Red Cross Blood Service
Helen M Faddy (Author) - Australian Red Cross Blood Service
Publication details: Transfusion, Vol.59(2), pp.648-658
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Inc.
Date published: 2019
DOI: 10.1111/trf.15095
ISSN: 0041-1132
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Biomedicine; School of Health; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450904602621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Hematology

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