Travel History Deferral Guidelines Lifted In View Of Community Spread

With immediate effect, the Bloodbank@HSA will stop deferring blood donors who have travelled to countries with confirmed reports of local human-to-human transmission of the Influenza A (H1N1-2009) cases.

2  As the number of local Influenza A (H1N1-2009) cases continues to rise showing signs of a sustained community spread in Singapore, it is no longer necessary to institute deferral measures for donors who have travelled to outbreak areas.

3  While there is currently no conclusive evidence about the transfusion-transmissability of Influenza A (H1N1-2009) virus, existing deferral of donors with fever or influenza symptoms will still apply for those who:

• are feeling unwell (eg: flu) during the 1 week prior to and on the day of donation.
• have fever during the 3 weeks prior to and on the day of donation.
• have had close contact* with a person who has been diagnosed with Influenza A (H1N1-2009) or suspected to have Influenza A (H1N1-2009) in the last 3 weeks.
  

*Close contact refers to having cared for, having lived with, or having had direct contact with a patient with Influenza A (H1N1-2009).

In addition, donors who have a history of confirmed or suspected Influenza A (H1N1-2009) infection will be deferred for a period of 3 weeks after complete recovery.

4  The Bloodbank@HSA would also like to urge donors to call us immediately at our 24-hour hotline 1800-2263320 if they feel unwell after donation so that their blood will not be used for transfusion.

5  The Bloodbank@HSA will continue to monitor and review our screening criteria based on the best available information to ensure the safety of our national blood supply. For further clarifications, donors may call the Bloodbank@HSA at Tel: 6213 0626.

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
7 JULY 2009

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