To the editor: This article (“Chagas disease, considered only a threat abroad, is established in California and in the southern US.” September 1) establishes that “most people discover that they have the disease only after trying to donate blood.” It is not regularly verified in routine health exams. In addition to Chagas, the American Red Cross also shows blood donations for other infectious diseases including HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, western Nile virus and Zika virus, along with other health tests of a donor, such as DREPANOCIT For African -American donors. If any of these are discovered, the Red Cross will communicate with the donor, you will recommend that you see your doctor and provide the medical findings.
My point? A blood donor can not only save the life of someone who needs blood. They can also save yours.
Larry Macedo, West Hills
