FDA Guidance on Zika Virus Blood Donor Deferrals

FDA has issued a new guidance recommending blood donor deferrals for those who have been to areas with active Zika virus transmission, potentially have been exposed to the virus, or have had a confirmed Zika virus infection. “The FDA has critical responsibilities in outbreak situations and has been working rapidly to take important steps to respond to the emerging Zika virus outbreak,” acting chief scientist Luciana Borio is quoted in a release as saying.



The agency says that while there have been no reports of Zika virus entering the U.S. blood supply, the risk is considered likely based on the most current scientific evidence of how Zika virus and similar viruses (flaviviruses) are spread and recent reports of transfusion-associated infection outside of the U.S. Additionally, about 80% of those infected with Zika virus do not become symptomatic.