Coronavirus: Brazil updates criteria for blood donation

A screening test has also been included for the new coronavirus

Published on 26/02/2020 - 11:16 By Beatriz Evaristo - Brasília

After the outbreak of the new coronavirus, the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency, Anvisa, and the Health Ministry have updated the criteria for donation at blood banks as a preventive measure countrywide.

The screening already included a test for dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika. This year’s update includes Covid-19 and other strains, like the severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars), and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers).

The people who were in regions where case cases of coronavirus have been confirmed will only be allowed to donate blood in 30 days, starting from their return from the areas affected by the epidemic. The term will also be introduced for those who had contact with an infected patient or with someone suspected of carrying the disease.

Those already suffering from the illness may donate blood only 90 days after their recovery is complete.

The rule does not apply if donors had common cold or respiratory infections possibly caused by coronavirus with no history of travel in the epidemic regions or contact with people from such places.

The authorities also announced that there has been no evidence of coronavirus transmission through a blood transfusion.

In cases of dengue fever and chikungunya, the period is also 30 days, compared to 120 for Zika.

Translation: Fabrício Ferreira -  Edition: Liliane Farias / Nira Foster

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