Beginning October 30, 2003, the American Red Cross will begin deferring prospective donors who have been to Iraq due to the risk of transfusion-transmitted Leishmaniasis. The deferral is effective for 12 months from the prospective donor's last date of departure from Iraq. The new Leishmaniasis deferral applies to the entire country of Iraz and includes any civilians, contractors or other individuals who have visited the country, in addition to military personnel stationed there.

Leishmaniasis is an endemic disease transmitted by sand flies in Iraq as well as other parts of the world including the Middle East, Mediterranean Coast, ASia, Africa, Central America and South America.

The Armed Services Blood Program (ASBPO) has reported cases of Leishmaniasis among personnel stationed in Iraq and is implementing a 12 month deferral for individuals who have traveled to Iraq.

The top priority of the American Red Cross is the safety and availability of the blood supply and stringent deferral criterion is one of many risk avoidance methods in place to protect the nation's blood supply.

Blood Safety