FDA Acts to Reduce Zika Blood Transmission

By Jonathan Springston, Associate Managing Editor, AHC Media

The FDA on Tuesday recommended those who have the Zika virus, those who have been exposed to it, or those who have recently traveled to areas where there have been reported cases should not donate blood. The agency reached this determination after considering evidence suggesting Zika most likely spreads through blood transmission, and that four of five of those with Zika do not become symptomatic.

“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,” said Luciana Borio, MD, the FDA’s acting chief scientist. “We are issuing this guidance for immediate implementation in order to better protect the U.S. blood supply.”

Beyond these recommendations, the FDA says it is prioritizing the development of blood screening and diagnostic tests that could identify the presence of Zika, preparing to evaluate the safety and efficacy of potential vaccines and other therapeutics, and reviewing technology that could suppress mosquito populations that can spread the virus.

AHC Media is dedicated to covering developments in this ongoing story. In addition to breaking news on our homepage, the cover story of April ED Management will outline what hospitals need to do to prepare for a potential outbreak. The March issue of Hospital Infection Control & Prevention contains a trio of stories examining the latest Zika developments, including combating the spread of the virus via sexual transmission. Additionally, the March issue of Hospital Employee Health contains a story about protecting pregnant healthcare workers from contracting the virus.