Don’t spread malaria-infected blood
Donors who have contracted malaria can only donate three years after completing their treatment.
THE South African Blood Services (SANBS) has encouraged donors to help reduce the risk of malaria-infected blood passing through the system.
The SANBS said they were aware that many people travelled to malaria endemic areas over the holidays adding that they are concerned as this could affect the ability to donate blood for several weeks after their return.
According to a statement issued by the SANBS, the life-threatening disease is endemic to some parts of South Africa like Northern KwaZulu-Natal and the Lowveld areas of Mpumalanga. Neighbouring high-risk countries include Swaziland and Mozambique which are popular holiday destinations.
Malaria is among the most infectious diseases that the SANBS prioritises in the screening process as it is transmitted from infected individuals through blood transfusions and infected needles.
The organisation conducts comprehensive interviews to obtain information from donors thus reducing the risk of malaria-infected blood passing through the system.
These interviews form part of an integrated screening process which includes extensive laboratory testing of blood to prevent the transmission of malaria and other infectious diseases commonly found in South Africa, namely HIV, Hepatitis B and C and syphilis.
Silungile Mlambo, SANBS marketing manager, said, “We encourage donors to give us as much information as possible when answering the self-exclusion questionnaire as this is the first step in the blood collection process that enables us to safeguard the nation’s blood supply to the best of our ability.”
These are the malaria-related exclusion criteria:
- Donors who have contracted malaria can donate three years after completing treatment.
- Donors who travel to high-risk areas can give blood four weeks after their return from a malaria area if they have not experienced any symptoms commonly associated with malaria such as fever, sweating and headache.
Durban North SANBS clinic’s new operating hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – 8.30am to 4.30pm. Tuesday – 10am to 6pm. Saturday – 8am to 1pm. Visit the clinic at 53, Kensington Square, Adelaide Tambo Drive or call 031 564 6070.
