The FDA has said it is still developing its plans to ensure that the Zika virus does not infect the blood supply.
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The mosquito-borne virus has affected more than 30 countries and territories.
Many reports have been identified in the USA from those who have traveled from the affected areas.
“From 4 February, we will have a 28-day blood donation deferral for people looking to donate blood who have travelled to countries where the Zika virus is endemic”.
With each donation, donors receive a free total cholesterol test and earn points in United Blood Services’ Hero in Me rewards program. Until they can be manufactured for use in blood banks, AABB also recommends that people who have traveled to Latin America or the tropics wait 28 days before donating blood.
The news comes as the first known case of the Zika virus being sexually transmitted in the United States has been reported.
The most common symptoms of infection are flu-like, such as aches and fever About 80 percent of people infected show no symptoms whatsoever, said Susan Stramer, a microbiologist for the Red Cross. Local health officials said the illness was likely contracted through sex and not a mosquito bite.
KBC is monitoring information about the Zika virus and other steps may be necessary as information develops.
As well as being linked to thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains in Brazil, Zika is also thought to be connected to a rise in the number of patients in Colombia diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder which can cause paralysis.
Zika virus which according to the World Health Organization is “spreading explosively” has other conditions associated with it too including a birth defect called microcephaly.
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The Red Cross must collect approximately 14,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.
