Zika and Blood & Tissue Safety

What we know

Information for Human Cell, Tissue, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Product (HCT/P) Establishments

There have been no confirmed cases of Zika virus being spread by blood transfusion in the United States. However, cases of Zika virus transmission through platelet transfusions have been documented in Brazil.^1,2
In May 2021, in response to the global decline in the incidence of Zika virus, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed the requirement for routine Zika virus screening of blood donations.
Certain human cell and tissue-based products, such as umbilical cord blood, gestational tissues, and reproductive tissues, can harbor Zika virus even months after the initial infection.

If you have been diagnosed with Zika virus in the last 4 months, let your blood center know you had a Zika virus infection. Blood donors must be healthy and well and in some people it might take up to 4 months to clear the virus from their blood. If you were diagnosed with Zika virus shortly after giving blood, you should tell your blood center.
If you have been diagnosed with or possibly exposed to Zika virus within the past 6 months you should not donate cells or tissues, such as umbilical cord blood, placenta or other gestational tissues, or reproductive tissues (oocytes [eggs] or semen). FDA provides guidance for tissue establishments on who is eligible to donate these products.