Indiviuals in risk group (answers yes to any of the following questions): Chagas test is necessary

• Born in Mid-America or South America including Mexico.

• The mother is born in countries mentioned above.

• Indovidual has received blood transfusion in countries mentioned above.

• Has ever lived or travelled to countries mentioned above for more than 4 weeks.

If individual has travelled to countries mentioned above and been in tourist destinations for less than 4 weeks: Deferral for blood donation is 6 months if asymptomatic. No need to do Chagas testing.

If individual had symptoms while travelling or up to 6 months after returning home, for example: Rash, inflamed nodules, swelling of periorbital soft tissue, high fever, headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea: Take Chagas test.

Please note!! Chagas tests can only been done when at least 4 months have passed since individual left the risk area (or came to Iceland) or got blood transfusion.

This waiting period is necessary to ensure the safety of the blood recipient. Chagas can have a serious impact on frail people.

Further information:

In Iceland we have a screening test available.

• If the test is negative, blood donation is possible.

• If the test is positive, we notify the donor. Blood donations will therefore no longer be possible.

Chagas disease is caused by infection from the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). It can be contracted after being bitten by an insect, mainly found in certain regions of South America (including Mexico and Central America). The chagas disease parasite can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy or through a blood transfusion from an infected donor.

The insect that transmits the disease is not found in Iceland so risk of infection in Iceland is not considered high.

People who have traveled to other countries where the insect can be found, may have been exposed without knowing it. The parasite is most commonly found in rural areas. It is more likely to get infected when staying in houses with thatched roofs or walls made of clay, for longer period of time.

Symptoms of Chagas: such as rash and inflamed nodules, swelling of periorbital soft tissue, fever, headache, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting. People in good health generally do not develop any symptoms.

There is no effective cure for this infection. Donor that has once been infected is permanently deferred from blood donation.

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