FDA issues blood donation recommendations for Zika virus

Editor's Note

The Food and Drug Administration on February 16 issued a new guidance recommending the deferral of individuals from donating blood if they have:

• been to areas with active Zika virus transmission
• potentially been exposed to the virus
• had a confirmed Zika virus infection.

The FDA is issuing these recommendations for immediate implementation to better protect the US blood supply. The FDA also intends to issue a guidance that will address appropriate donor deferral measures for human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based products. 

As a safety measure against the emerging Zika virus outbreak, today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a new guidance recommending the deferral of individuals from donating blood if they have been to areas with active Zika virus transmission, potentially have been exposed to the virus, or have had a confirmed Zika virus infection.