Health officials have reported two cases of Zika virus transmitted by blood transfusions. Both of these cases were reported in Campinas, a city of around one million people located northwest of São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil.
The first case involved a patient that contracted Zika from a platelet concentrate that was part of a pooled product transfused after a liver transplant. (Fortunately, while testing showed that the patient was infected, this case proved to be asymptomatic). The second transmission involved a gunshot victim who tested positive for Zika after receiving multiple blood transfusions; health officials have indicated that he later died of his wounds, not the virus.
There are indications that Zika virus is having an impact on the blood supply in Brazil. Three of the major blood banks experienced a 10% to 30% drop in donations. Stricter screening may be a factor in the decline. Also, potential donors who have shown any symptoms of the virus must wait 30 days after full recovery before they are eligible to donate again. The availability of an adequate blood supply for the upcoming Olympic Games is of special concern.
Health organizations are providing a great deal of information regarding Zika virus. For example, to help communicate risks and inform the community, World Health Organization (WHO) has published “one-stop” access to all guidance that has been established so far (http://www.who.int/risk-communication/en/). WHO has also developed a “Zika app” that provides rapid, easy access information in multiple languages. In addition, AABB held a Zika Virus Symposium last month on Blood and HCT/P Safety.
At this point in time, the likelihood of Zika virus being transmitted from blood transfusions is not known. It is clear that donor screening procedures prior to collection are extremely important, as is post-donation communication of signs of illness.
References:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27329551
http://www.isbtweb.org/about-isbt/news/article/zika-update/
http://marketplace.aabb.org/ebuspprod/Marketplace/AllProducts/ProductDetail.aspx?productId=13095398
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-zika-brazil-blood-idUSKCN0VD22N
