(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-04-16 09:19

British model Naomi Campbell talks with the media at a press conference after she was unable to donate blood for victims of dengue at Hemorio center in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday, April 15 , 2008. [Agencies]

Naomi Campbell wants to give blood to help fight a dengue fever epidemic, but Brazilian officials won't take it yet.

The British supermodel arrived at the HemoRio medical center Tuesday to take part in a blood drive, but was turned away. Officials there say she needs to wait longer after having surgery in February to remove a cyst.

An outbreak of mosquito-borne dengue fever has infected more than 75,000 people in Rio de Janeiro state this year and killed at least 80.

Campbell often visits Brazil, and Rio Mayor Cesar Maia has invited her to be a goodwill ambassador for the city.