TYLER (KYTX) - Some people are finding out in an unusual way they have the West Nile virus. it doesn't involve a trip to the hospital or their doctor's office.
Michael Farrell stopped by the Carter BloodCare center in Tyler on his day off.
"I normally try to donate as often as I possibly can," said Farrell.
After he donates blood, his donation is tested for 14 different diseases.
One of those 14 is the West Nile virus.
Carter BloodCare Medical Director, Dr. Jeanie Chiu, said 70 blood donations in the 58 Texas counties they serve have tested positive for West Nile.
"We have seen the largest number of positive West Nile cases that we have ever seen," said Dr.Chiu.
10% of those positives cases are right here in East Texas.
"The interesting thing about West Nile is that most people don't know they have it," said Dr.Chiu.
West Nile virus can be tough to spot because most people who have it never have any symptoms. That's why they're finding out from the blood banks.
"I think that's a scary thought to try to come in and try to help out your fellow man and find out you have a disease from a bug," said Farrell.
The season for West Nile is during the summer and early fall. It comes at the same time when blood banks are already struggling for donations.
"Once someone comes up positive for West Nile. They have to be deferred for a certain period of time and they can't come back and donate," said Dr.Chiu.
So far, there are no cases where blood infected with West Nile has made it into the blood supply.
All donors can do is be cautious.
"Make sure I use the type of propellant for mosquitoes to keep myself safe," said Ferrell.
Any donation that tests positive is destroyed. Blood donors who are infected are notified, as is the local health department, so they can receive any necessary treatment.
