Dangerously Low Blood Supply Prompts Red Cross To Issue Emergency Call
In Southern California, the Red Cross has less than a five-day supply on hand.
Orange County Register:
As Southern California's Blood Supply Dwindles, Red Cross Issues Emergency Call For Donations
From the Zika virus to a safety recall that rendered hundreds of units of blood useless, several factors have caused Southern California’s blood supply to dip to dangerous lows, local health officials said Tuesday.
The blood supply is getting so low that the American Red Cross, for the first time in eight years, has issued an emergency call for blood and platelets – cells in the blood – urging all eligible donors to give now to replenish the reserves. The shortage is not exclusive to Southern California. (Bharath, 7/20)
In other news, officials confirm a case of zika in Stanislaus County —
The Modesto Bee:
Stanislaus County Man Tests Positive For Zika Virus
Health officials announced Monday afternoon that a 19-year-old Stanislaus County man has contracted the Zika virus while traveling outside the U.S. The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency confirmed that the young man tested positive for Zika virus. Officials did not say where the man lives or where he traveled or give any information on his condition. (7/20)