West Nile is not a problem here in Canada. I've been turned down for donating blood because I've had a tattoo in the past six months even though tattoo parlours are heavily regulated and a new sterilized needle is used for each tattoo and the needle destroyed in front of the recipients eyes at the conclusion of the tattoo. In Canada the red cross has been sued successfully for allowing the transfusion of hepititus tainted blood. They take no chances now. Even on the application there is a question regarding contact with same-sex partners, I'm sure if this box is ticked then all blood from that donor is subsequently destroyed. To test every pint of blood for numerous possible things such as Hep, HIV, WNV and such must be mind-boggling. I guess they're erring on the side of safety. It's a shame, yet comforting at the same time.