Manitobans asked to donate blood amid Zika virus concerns

Canadian Blood Services is asking for people to donate blood before they go on their spring vacations amid concerns over the Zika virus.

• 20 Canadians, including pregnant woman, infected by Zika in other countries
• Zika virus: What you need to know and how to protect yourself

"New donation rules to protect the blood supply from the Zika virus are already reducing the number of eligible donors," said the organization`s Tracy Smith, in a press release. "We're concerned that travel plans and the flu may mean fewer and fewer donors are eligible to donate blood."

Donors who have travelled outside of Canada, the U.S. and Europe are ineligible to give blood for 21 days after their return to Canada to "mitigate the risk of the Zika virus entering the blood supply."

The organization is also hoping new donors will step up in place of donors who can't donate due to their travel.