LEXINGTON, KY – The Kentucky Blood Center has announced that the FDA recommends that all blood centers throughout the country begin deferring donors who have traveled to Miami- Dade and Broward counties in Florida in the past four weeks.
There has been a local outbreak of Zika virus in Miami.
“Kentucky Blood Center is evaluating the new recommendations and as soon as possible will begin deferring donors who have traveled to Miami-Dade and Broward counties in the past four weeks,” said Martha Osborne, Kentucky Blood Center’s Executive Director of Marketing and Recruitment, who added that this is the first time blood centers will be deferring donors for travel within the continental United States.
“We are working closely with public health authorities to stay on top of this rapidly changing situation,” said Osborne, adding, “It is more important than ever for those who are eligible to donate to do so soon.”
For information from the FDA, visit http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/SafetyAvailability/ucm513583.htm.
