US urges all donated blood undergo tests for Zika

MIAMI, USA (UPDATED) – All donated blood should undergo tests for the Zika virus, which can cause birth defects, US regulators said Friday, August 26, amid a mounting outbreak of the mosquito-borne virus in the United States.

“There is still much uncertainty regarding the nature and extent of Zika virus transmission,” said Peter Marks, director of the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

“At this time, the recommendation for testing the entire blood supply will help ensure that safe blood is available for all individuals who might need transfusion.”

The move revises a previous FDA guideline issued in February that recommended active screening of donated blood only in “areas with active Zika virus transmission.”

But now, as evidence of sexual transmission mounts and those infected often show no symptoms, even stricter safeguards are needed across the nation, said the FDA.

“The FDA is updating its guidance after careful consideration of all available scientific evidence, consultation with other public health agencies, and taking into consideration the potential serious health consequences of Zika virus infection to pregnant women and children born to women exposed to Zika virus during pregnancy.”

More than 2,500 people in the United States have been diagnosed with Zika, and more than 9,000 in the US territories such as Puerto Rico.

Most of those cases were brought in by people who were infected while traveling abroad.

There are 584 pregnant women in the mainland United States with lab evidence of Zika infection, and 812 in the US territories.

Florida announced last month its first cases of locally transmitted Zika, with 43 infections made public as of Thursday, August 25.

“Testing of donated blood is already underway in Florida and Puerto Rico, as well as in other areas, and it has shown to be beneficial in identifying donations infected with Zika virus,” said the FDA.

“Expanded testing will continue to reduce the risk for transmission of Zika virus through the US blood supply and will be in effect until the risk of transfusion transmission of Zika virus is reduced.”

Sexual spread

Health officials say Zika is primarily spread by the bite of an Aedes aegypti mosquito, but it can also be transmitted sexually.

On Friday, US authorities announced the first known case of a man who had Zika but did not know because he showed no symptoms – and then subsequently infected his female partner during unprotected sex.

Four out of 5 people who get Zika do not show any of the common symptoms, which range from fever to rash to joint pain and red eyes.

“As new scientific and epidemiological information regarding Zika virus has become available, it’s clear that additional precautionary measures are necessary,” said Luciana Borio, the FDA’s acting chief scientist.

“We are issuing revised guidance for immediate implementation in order to help maintain the safety of the US blood supply.”

The World Health Organization says 53 countries around the world have reported Zika outbreaks since 2015. – Rappler.com