DAVENPORT -- The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center is asking all blood donors who have traveled to Miami-Dade and Broward counties in south Florida to not donate blood, due to the threat of the Zika virus.
"We are asking donors about recent travel to Miami-Dade and Broward Counties," said MVRB Director of Public Relations Kirby Winn. "If a potential blood donor has visited either of those two counties within the last 28 days, they will be asked not to give blood until 28 days after their return home. We ask about travel to international locations where the Zika Virus outbreak is taking place through our Donor History Questionnaire, but this is the first time we have asked about travel within the United States."
The Zika virus travel deferral already includes Mexico, Puerto Rico, Latin America, the Caribbean and portions of the Pacific Islands. Those who have traveled to the affected regions are asked not to give blood for a period of 28 days after their return.
The MVRB provides blood to 88 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin - including being the exclusive provider of blood and blood components to all Genesis Health System and UnityPoint Health-Trinity hospitals in the Quad-Cities region.
The travel deferral puts a strain on the MVRB's supply, which is already low due to the typically slow period in mid-summer, Winn said.
While there is not currently a shortage for local hospitals, appointments are needed at donor centers and mobile blood drives to avoid a shortfall in the blood supply and to ensure the blood center’s ability to respond to any further requests should there be any change to the region impacted by Zika virus. To schedule an appointment to give blood at an MVRBC Donor Center or mobile blood drive, call (800) 747-5401 or schedule online at www.bloodcenterimpact.org