Red Cross Supports New Restrictions Against Mad Cow

Article

WASHINGTON, DC-The American Red Cross is worried about Mad Cow and its human variant, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, infecting American blood supplies.

The organization is supporting new measures that would prohibit people who have spent more than six months in England or France from donating. Researchers do not know if Mad Cow or vCJD is transmitted through blood; however, they are not willing to take the chance.

There is no test for the disease, and as a precaution US health officials already ban people from donating if they spend six months or more in Britain from 1990-1996. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reviewing the policy Thursday and may change the time period from 1980 to the present.

American blood centers are currently dealing with one of the worst blood shortages in the past year. These latest regulations could decrease donations by an estimated 5-6%. Blood banks are calling out for eligible volunteers to donate.

Both Mad Cow and human variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease remain mysterious. Their cause and origin are unknow, although scientists think both are caused by misfolded proteins called prions.

More than 80 people have died in Europe from vCJD.

Information from Reuters

Recent Videos
Pathogen Playbook Presenter: Sharon Ward-Fore, BS, MS, MT(ASCP), CIC, FAPIC
Mark Wiencek, PhD
Rebecca Crapanzano-Sigafoos, DrPH, CIC, AL-CIP, FAPIC
The CDC’s updated hospital respiratory reporting requirement has added new layers of responsibility for infection preventionists. Karen Jones, MPH, RN, CIC, FAPIC, clinical program manager at Wolters Kluwer, breaks down what it means and how IPs can adapt.
Studying for the CIC using a digital tablet and computer (Adobe Stock 335828989 by NIKCOA)
Infection Control Today's Conversations with the HSPA President, Arlene Bush, CRCST, CER, CIS, SME, DSMD, CRMST
Infection Control Today's Conversations with the HSPA President, Arlene Bush, CRCST, CER, CIS, SME, DSMD, CRMST
Cheron Rojo, BS, FCS, CHL,  CER, CFER, CRCST
Matthias Tschoerner, Dr Sc
Standardizing Cleaning and Disinfection
Related Content