The Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO) has issued an urgent directive to all blood donation centers to take precautionary measures to ensure safety of blood products. As per the directive, hajj pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia are advised not to donate blood for 28 days after their return. Those who are in contact with the pilgrims within two weeks of their return are also advised not to donate blood for 21 days, reports IRNA. Saudi Arabia has seen a rise in MERS cases in recent days. Over 500 people have died in the kingdom since the virus first appeared in 2012.
