The Blood Bank
Yellow fever
Donor eligibility
If travelling to an area where yellow fever virus is present, donor is deferred from blood, plasma and platelet donation for 4 weeks after returning to Iceland. Donor must be asymptomatic.
If travelled to an endemic area and been diagnosed with infection or had symptoms: Deferral for donation is 6 months.
This waiting period is necessary to ensure the safety of the blood recipient. Yellow fever can have a serious impact on frail people.
Exceptions and comments
Further information:
Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, primarily found in many parts of Africa, Central and South America. The spread of dengue fever has been changing, and it is important to look at risk areas from the perspective of travel arrangements at all times.
The mosquitoes that spread the virus are not to be found in Iceland so risk of contracting virus in Iceland is not considered high. People who have traveled to other countries where the virus exists, may have been exposed without knowing it.
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
Keywords: Yellow fever, jungle fever, febris, flava, Mosquito, Africa, South America, infectious diseases
Valid from: 27. February 2026