OneBlood is closely monitoring dengue fever activity in collaboration with local, state, and federal public health authorities and has implemented additional safeguards to help ensure the continued safety and availability of the blood supply.

“The safety of the blood supply remains OneBlood's highest priority. As part of its long-standing proactive response protocols, OneBlood continuously monitors mosquito-borne disease activity and employs multi-layered safety approaches to safeguard the blood supply, including donor health screenings, donor post-donation follow-up, and ongoing surveillance of areas experiencing mosquito-borne disease activity,” said Susan Forbes, OneBlood’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Public Relations.  

As an added layer of safety, blood donations collected in areas experiencing increased dengue activity are temporarily quarantined for 7 to 14 days. During this period, and prior to releasing donations to hospitals, OneBlood will contact donors to confirm they remain healthy and have not developed symptoms consistent with dengue fever.

Donor Follow-Up is Essential

OneBlood is urging donors to respond promptly if contacted after donation.

• Donors play a critical role in helping OneBlood determine whether a blood donation remains suitable for transfusion.
  
  
• If OneBlood reaches out following a donation, it is important that donors respond so their health status can be confirmed.
  
  
• Out of an abundance of caution, donations collected in areas with dengue activity will not be released for patient use if OneBlood is unable to complete necessary follow-up with the donor.

"Donor communication is a vital part of our blood safety process. When donors respond to our follow-up calls or if they notify us of changes in their health after donation, they help ensure patients receive the safest possible blood products,” said Forbes.

Donors Should Report Symptoms Immediately

OneBlood is also asking donors to contact the blood center immediately if they develop symptoms of dengue fever or another mosquito-borne illness within four weeks after donating blood.

Common symptoms of dengue fever may include fever, severe headache, body aches, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, or rash.

Prompt reporting allows OneBlood to conduct appropriate medical evaluations and take any necessary actions regarding blood products. Donors should call 888-9-DONATE (888-936-6283) and select option 7.

Blood Donations Needed

Blood collection operations remain fully operational throughout OneBlood's service area. Eligible donors are strongly encouraged to donate and help ensure a ready blood supply.