New information and restrictions have been issued by the FDA regarding the Zika virus and egg donation.
Symptoms, Transmission, and Long-term Issues
While the Zika virus is originally contracted from a mosquito bite, it can be transmitted in a number of ways, such as sexual activity, blood transfusions, and reproductive tissues. Common symptoms are: fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes), and can last several days to a week. Symptoms are mild and people who are infected are not likely to go to the hospital. The virus can remain in the blood stream for about a week but can be longer for some people.
The real issue with Zika, however, is for women who are pregnant or who are trying to conceive. According to the FDA, “An association of microcephaly (brain developing abnormally in the womb or not growing as it should after birth) in infants born to mothers with Zika infection has been observed, although a direct causal connection has yet to be confirmed.”
As of Feb 23 2016, 34 countries and territories had reported “active Zika transmission” (active transmission meaning: locally transmitted, mosquito-borne Zika). There have been 107 travel-associated cases reported in the U.S. to date, but none have been actively transmitted in the U.S. (no one in the U.S. has gotten the virus from a mosquito).
Examples of How Zika Can Be Transmitted Locally (Not from a Mosquito):
- From infected male partners infecting sexual partners
- From a blood transfusion
- From donated reproductive tissues such as oocytes and semen
The FDA is taking precautionary steps to protect the safety of recipients using donated eggs even though there have been no reported transmissions through a female egg. It has been reported that the Zika virus has been found in semen.
Temporary restrictions for egg donors:
If you or a male partner has either lived or traveled to any of the following countries or territories within the past 6 months, you will be temporarily ineligible for egg donation.
- Diagnosis of Zika in the past 6 months
- Residence, in or travel to, an area with active Zika transmission within the past 6 month
- Sex within the past 6 months with a male who is known to have lived, traveled, or has been diagnosed with Zika in the past 6 months
For six months from the time of travel or sex with a male partner who meets the above criteria, women are not eligible for donation. However after 6 months, women will be eligible for donation.
Active Zika Transmission Locations
If you or a male partner has either lived or traveled to any of the following countries or territories within the past 6 months, you will be temporarily ineligible for egg donation.
- Cape Verde (Cabo Verde in Africa)
- Caribbean: Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin/Saint Maarten, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, U.S. Virgin Islands
- Central America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama
- Mexico
- Pacific Islands: American Samoa, Marshall Islands, Samoa, Tona
- South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela
Key Takeaways about Zika Virus and Egg Donation
- The FDA is still learning about the causes of the Zika virus transmission so they are taking precautions to protect recipients using donated eggs. The Zika virus is not deadly, but it can remain in your bloodstream for a few weeks, and can be transmitted through sex.
- The Zika virus is not deadly, but it can remain in your bloodstream for a few weeks and can be transmitted through sex.
- If you would like to donate in the upcoming 6 months (March-September), do not travel to any of the above locations.
- If you have traveled to any of the above locations, you are not permanently disqualified, but will be temporarily deferred. For questions, email [email protected].
- If you have had sex with a male who has been diagnosed or who has lived or traveled to any of the above locations, you will be temporarily deferred.
The egg donation process takes up to 4 months but is a very rewarding experience. At Shady Grove Fertility, we compensate our egg donors throughout the process for their time and efforts. Learn more about basic qualification criteria or apply to donate. For more information, call 1-877-DONATE-EGGS.
Editors Note: The post was originally published in March 2016. For the most up-to-date information regarding Zika, please read Zika Virus: Getting Pregnant Amid Concerns.
