KBC: Zika cases in FLA affect KY donor eligibility

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Due to the possibility of a local outbreak of Zika virus in Miami, the FDA recommended on Thursday that Miami area blood banks cease collecting blood immediately until the establishments begin testing with an investigational donor screening test for Zika.

The FDA also recommends that all blood centers throughout the country begin temporarily deferring donors who have traveled to Miami-Dade and Broward Counties during the previous four weeks.

“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.

Kentucky Blood Center donor centers are listed below or visit kybloodcenter.org to find a mobile blood drive.

• Andover Donor Center – Lexington
  • 3130 Maple Leaf Drive
• Beaumont Donor Center – Lexington
  • 3121 Beaumont Center Circle
• Middletown Donor Center – Louisville
  • 12905 Shelbyville Road
• Pikeville Donor Center
  • 472 S. Mayo Trail
• Somerset Donor Center
  • 10 Stonegate Center