Concerns about the spread of Zika virus have prompted the federal government to ship blood and blood products to Puerto Rico for fear that local sources may be contaminated, according to NBC News.
Last month, the CDC warned that Puerto Rico could expect an influx of the Zika virus due to its population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that carry and spread the virus.
Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!
"In the absence of special measures to screen for infection or reduce pathogens, the risk of Zika virus transmission through blood products is considered likely based on the most current scientific evidence of how Zika virus and similar viruses (flaviviruses) are spread, and what is currently being reported about transfusion-associated infection occurring outside of the United States," HHS said in a statement, according to NBC News.
"Availability of safe blood products for the residents of Puerto Rico is a major priority for HHS," Karen DeSalvo, the agency's acting assistant secretary for health, told NBC News.
The Zika virus has displayed a strong connection to debilitating neurological afflictions, including most prominently the birth defect microcephaly, a condition in which babies are born with abnormally small heads.
More articles on the Zika virus:
New Zika drug proves effective in mice
New Zika research 'first step' in understanding virus' impact on developing fetuses
How Google is working with UNICEF to fight Zika