Giving blood if you go to Costa Maya

[davidaperryman]

My wife tried to donate blood today at a church sponsered event and was turned away because we have been to Costa Maya recently. They said there is the malaria threat.

 

Just so you will know.

[Zeno]

This type of post keeps appearing and I am not sure exactly why. There is no "threat" of contracting malaria on a cruiseship stop. Malaria does exist in certain parts of Mexico and Central America BUT it is rare. In order to even risk contracting it, one would have to make a point of spending the night in a malaria mosquito infested swampy area (and note - only one type of mosquito carries malaria) without any protection.

The chances of contracting it on a beach in Majal are pretty much non- existant. However one should always wear mosquito repellant on any trips into interior swampy areas. Note: when bloodbanks refuse your blood because you have travelled to these areas, they are just being ultra-cautious (as they should be).

[davidaperryman]

I did not post this to alarm anyone but to alert any potential blood doners that they will be refused. My wife was suprised when they informed her. Needless to say she does not have malaria.

[eguiney]

After giving over 15 gallons of blood I have also been put on inactive status for 12 months due to a stop at Isle de Margarrita on a last spring. Then I also went to Costa Maya last month so i guess the 12 month clock has started over.

[eguiney]

Also, at least with the blood banks in and around Houston, if you visit any of the ruins in Mexico and tell then, you are deffered for 12 months.

[Landlocked In Ohio]

I found this out a few years ago, and have not donated blood since. They always are asking for blood, but with the rise in cruising and travel since 9-11 it seems they are just going to be turning more people away. I was upset, but travel every year. Here is the link to their site that specifies the eligibility on traveling.

 

http://www.redcross.org/services/biomed/0,1082,0_557_,00.html#trav

[Riviera Deck Randy]

yes Costa Maya will get you a 12 month deferment, but thats cool I told them I would rather keep my blood and keep returning to Costa Maya, then give up paradise. sorry just my opinion.

[AlwaysReady2Go]

I was alerted of this when I donated recently - precautions are precautions and are done for good reason - donate when we can and travel when we will - I won't stop either but will only donate when it is safe to do so

[Martinalut]

I am a regular plataelet donor. I asked specifically if my trip to Costa Maya would effect my eligibility. They said no. I am going to CA, and will continue to donate.