Local News

Florida Counties Added to Travel Deferral for Blood Donations

Wed, 03 Aug 2016 09:41:19 CDT

The Central Illinois Community Blood Center will begin asking prospective blood donors about travel to two counties in South Florida after reports of Possible Zika virus transmission not related to international travel.

Miami-Dade and Broward Counties will be added to the region impacted by the Zika virus travel deferral, which already includes Mexico, Puerto Rico, Latin America, the Caribbean and portions of the Pacific Islands. Those who have traveled to the affected regions will be asked not to give blood for 28 days after returning.

The CICBC is seeking appointments from all eligible blood donors to help combat the impact of the new travel deferral during a period when the rate of blood donation has dropped over the last week.

To schedule an appointment at a donor center or a mobile blood drive, call 217-753-1530 or log on to bloodcenterimpact.org. The CICBC issues blood to many of the hospitals located in the WSMI listening area.