United Blood Services is asking that potential donors who have traveled to the Caribbean, Mexico or Central or South America not to donate blood for 28 days after their travels.
In a press release, Dr. Hany Kame, vice president and corporate medical director for Blood Systems, said that "Zika virus could be transmitted by transfusion and there is no test to screen blood donors."
With these precautionary restrictions in place, United Blood Services estimates that the number of eligible donors across the nation will be reduced by 2 percent. Regional Manager of Donor Recruitment, Steve Thomas, says "If you're healthy and are not affected by this post-travel waiting period, please make an appointment today to donate blood in the coming weeks."
Appointments can be made on their website or by calling 877-827-4376.
KTVN's Arianna Bennett spoke with a local expert, Dr. James Wilson, on Face the State this week about the Zika virus. While he emphasized that non-travelers do not need to worry about the virus, both men and women who are traveling should take precautions.
For the full interview tune in to Face the State or read more here.
