DAYTON – Community Blood Center is beginning new restrictions on blood donations in response to concerns about transmission of the Zika virus. Beginning Monday, Feb. 15, any potential donor who has traveled to Zika endemic areas will be deferred from donating for 28 days after leaving those areas.

Zika endemic areas include the Caribbean, Mexico and Central and South America. CBC will administer this restriction in the same manner it handles questions about other travel deferments during the standard screening process.

“Zika virus may be transmitted by transfusion and there is no test to screen blood donors,” said CBC Medical Director Dr. James Alexander. “We know the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is currently discussing official guidance about donors who have traveled to these regions. Until that guidance is available, we are taking this cautionary step.”

CBC is using the same caution as many other blood banks nationwide in deferring donors until 28 days after travel to these areas. It is expected to result in the loss of approximately 2.25 percent of otherwise acceptable donors during the winter months when such travel is more common.

For more information, donors can email CBC at [email protected] or call 937-461-3450.