Transmission of Zika virus through blood transfusions is a growing concern, particularly if an asymptomatic individual donated blood.
The Food and Drug Administration announced recommendations to test all donated blood and blood components across the United States and its territories for the Zika virus, to mitigate the chance of transmitting the virus through transfusions.
In February, the FDA first issued guidance recommending that only areas with active Zika virus transmission screen donated blood.
“As new scientific and epidemiological information regarding Zika virus has become available, it’s clear that additional precautionary measures are necessary,” FDA’s acting chief scientist, said in a statement. “We are issuing revised guidance for immediate implementation in order to help maintain the safety of the US blood supply.”
In a conference call with reporters, the director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said that while there have not yet been any confirmed cases of such transmission, donors and health care workers must be vigilant. “Given the frequency of travel of individuals within the United States, there is the risk that people without symptoms who are infected with Zika virus could potentially donate blood and thereby transmit Zika virus.
The CDC also published new numbers on Guillain – Barre syndrome (GBS), which has been on the rise in countries affected by Zika virus.
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Individuals who began exhibiting any neurologic symptoms between Jan 1, 2016, and July 31, 2016, and were suspected of possible GBS total 56. Of those 56 patients, 34 (61 percent) were found to have evidence of either Zika or another related flavivirus. Ten (18 percent) of those 56 were confirmed to have Zika virus, and one patient who received treatment for GBS died of septic shock. Thirty (88 percent) reported having an acute illness of some kind before the onset of neurologic symptoms. The figures come from the GBS Passive Surveillance System.
“Persons with signs or symptoms consistent with GBS should promptly seek medical attention,” the CDC urged. “Health care providers who evaluate patients with neurologic illnesses should consider GBS and report suspected cases to public health authorities. Residents of and travelers to Puerto Rico are advised to follow existing recommendations for prevention of Zika virus infection.
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