Zika & Egg Donation: What You Need to Know

There is currently a lot of concern over the outbreak of the Zika virus and what it could mean for countless mothers, children, and families throughout the U.S. and the world. In the fervor to protect our communities, however, there has also been a significant amount of misinformation and fear that has been circulated. Because of this, some fertility clinics have placed a moratorium on egg donation.

At Palm Beach Fertility Center, we are currently still performing egg donation. Why? Because after reviewing the FDA recommendations and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's list of Zika-affected countries and territories, we firmly believe that, with the proper adherence to CDC and FDA guidelines, we can still collect and fertilize healthy eggs with an absolute assurance of safety.

Below, let's take a look at what the FDA recommends when it comes to tissue donation and the Zika virus—and what is also known about our own community in Palm Beach County in the face of this outbreak. ­­­­­­

There Are No Known Cases of Oocyte Transmission

While we know that Zika is communicable via mosquitoes and sexual activity (from males to their partners), there is no known case of oocyte transmission. That means that there is no evidence that the virus can be contracted via egg donation. In an abundance of caution, we are adhering strictly to the CDC and FDA guidelines. Our current Zika precautions are among the most conservative until more research can be done.

Palm Beach County Is Considered Zika-Free

As of this writing, Palm Beach County is not listed in the CDC's listing of Zika-affected areas. While it is true that Miami-Dade County (south of us) has been flagged by the CDC for mosquito risks, the agency's mosquito warning does not extend to our area—nor to any other part of Florida.

There Is a Protocol

If an egg donor has been to a Zika-affected area or has had sexual contact with a person from a Zika-affected area, it does not permanently disqualify them from donating eggs. In these cases, the FDA recommends postponing the egg donation cycle for six months. In this window, that potential donor can be tested for infection and, if cleared, may be able to continue to donate.

What You Can Do

If you are an egg donor that has questions about your continued eligibility to donate eggs with us, contact us today at Palm Beach Fertility Center. We're ready to speak with you about your concerns and what can be done to ensure that you stay healthy and that you donate healthy eggs to the families that need them.

Our compassionate team of Boca Raton fertility specialists is ready to speak with you. Call us at (888) 819-5177 today.