Been exposed to Zika or traveled to a Zika-infected country? Forgo that plan of donating blood, because the FDA does not allow it anymore.

The agency has issued new guidelines deferring blood donation from people who have traveled to infected countries, have been exposed to the virus and have been confirmed to have the disease.

Taking Early Action

The U.S. blood supply remains free from Zika, but the FDA says the risk of blood transmission is likely. The agency cites the latest scientific studies discussing how the virus and other similar viruses have spread. Other countries have also reported cases of Zika infection associated with blood transfusion. Another reason for early action is that about four out of five infected individuals do not manifest signs and symptoms, and thus may feel they are safe to donate blood.

"We are issuing this guidance for immediate implementation in order to better protect the U.S. blood supply," says FDA acting chief scientist Luciana Borio. 

Areas Without Active Zika Virus

The FDA recommends people living in places without active Zika transmission to maintain the safe status of their areas. To do this, the agency guidelines state that people at risk of Zika must not donate blood for four weeks.

The FDA has come up with a guide that describes who are considered at risk. People are at risk if they have had signs and symptoms of Zika virus infection during the past four weeks. Those having had sexual contact with a person who has traveled or lived in an area with active transmission during the past three months are also considered at risk. Lastly, people are considered at risk if they have traveled to an area with active transmission in the past four weeks.

Areas With Active Zika Virus

For blood donation needs in areas with active Zika transmission, the FDA recommends getting a blood supply from areas without active transmission.

Blood centers may still collect and prepare blood components, provided that they carry FDA-approved pathogen-reduction equipment.

Blood establishments should also come up with updated blood-donor educational materials — which include Zika clinical manifestations and advice on delaying blood donation if at risk.

FDA's Peter Marks says that based on best available proof, the new recommendations will help decrease the likelihood of obtaining blood from people infected with Zika virus. 

Photo: Elias Friedman | Flickr