within 12 weeks , blood donations for zika , the fda says .
blood donations should be screened for zika , fda says enlarge this image toggle caption toby talbot ap toby talbot ap the food and drug administration is recommending that blood banks screen all blood donations in the u.s. for the zika virus .
“ at this time , the fda only advised screening in areas with active zika cases , such as parts of florida and throughout puerto rico .
 
the new recommendation expands the guidance to all u.s.
previously , all cases within the continental u.s. were travel - related .
these states are in proximity to areas where zika virus transmission .
florida surgeon general celeste philip said the state 's largest blood collection centers have been testing all donations for zika since the beginning of august , all u.s.
the new order comes in the wake of the first locally acquired zika cases in the continental u.s. more than 40 people in miami - dade and palm beach counties in florida have been diagnosed with the virus since officials announced its appearance there earlier this month .