Please note:

• If previous malaria infection: Deferral for blood donation is 3 years, from end of treatment and asymptomatic. If results from screening is negative, blood donor can be approved.

• Those who have lived in a malaria endemic area for the first 5 years of their life: Deferral for blood donation is 3 years since the last visit to a malaria endemic area, as long as individual is asymptomatic.

• Those who have had undiagnosed fever (symptoms that could be related to malaria) after a visit to malaria endemic area/ within 6 months from from visit: Deferral from blood donation is 3 years from last symptoms. If malaria screening is negative donation can be permitted sooner.

• Malaria screening can be done first 4 months after a visit to malaria endemic area. The sample is sent to Denmark and results and it can take up to a year for results are available.

• Negative results from malaria screening: Can donate blood.

• Positive results from malaria screening: Not eligible for blood donation. Screening can be done again after 3 years, to see if antibodies are still present.

Further information:

• Malaria is a disease caused by parasites. Transmission of the parasite occurs through mosquitoes' bites.

  These mosquitoes are found in: Africa, Asia, Central and South America.

• The mosquitoes that spread the virus are not to be found in Iceland so risk of contracting the virus in Iceland is not considered high. People who have traveled to other countries where the virus can be found, may have been exposed without knowing it.

• The virus cannot be transmitted directly from one person to another through casual contact. However, human-to-human transmission is possible, notably through blood transfusion.

• Screening tests for Malaria are not done in Iceland. If you have spent 6 months or more in a risk area, we must perform a blood test

The Blood Bank's staff provides information on which countries / territories are considered to be risk areas for these viral infections, regarding to blood donation. You can also check whether the country is classified as a risk area for blood-borne diseases on the website: JPAC