Oct 26, 2016

Zika Virus Detected in Blood Donated in Florida

By on 7:30 AM

Blood donated and screened in Florida has tested positive for the Zika virus, according to multiple news reports.

This is the only positive Florida test result for donated blood to date. The donation never entered the blood supply.

OneBlood, a blood center serving most of Florida and parts of other states, has tested a sample of every Florida donor's blood for several months.

The American Red Cross announced earlier in the year that it was also conducting blood donor screening.

In its October 24 Zika update, the Florida Department of Health provided the following breakdown of non-travel and travel-related Zika infections to-date in the state:
  • Travel-related infections of Zika — 752
  • Non-travel-related infections of Zika — 169
  • Infections involving pregnant women — 113
  • Out-of-state cases (not Florida residents) — 19
  • Undetermined — 5
  • Total — 1,058
In August, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration recommended universal testing of donated whole blood and blood components for Zika virus in the United States and its territories.
 

Phenelle Segal, RN, CIC, FAPIC

Phenelle Segal, RN, CIC, FAPIC, is the founder and president of Infection Control Consulting Services LLC (ICCS), which is based in Delray Beach, Florida. Phenelle has more than 30 years experience providing customized comprehensive infection control and prevention services to healthcare facilities nationwide. Her services focus on assisting hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, dental office and oral surgery practices, doctor's offices, nursing homes to implement and maintain an infection control program that: complies with The Joint Commission (TJC), Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) and other regulatory agencies, respond to situations of noncompliance, and improve the processes for reducing risk.

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