Download The Zika virus is primarily transmitted to humans through a bite from

The Zika virus is primarily transmitted to humans through a bite from a mosquito that is native to
certain South American and Pacific countries (but not native to New Zealand). We now know that it
can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse, as the virus is present in the semen of infected
men. The illness causes symptoms that can be described as flu-like with low grade fevers and
rashes, so many people may not even realise they have been infected. Although the disease itself is
not necessarily dangerous to those that contract it, the effect on the foetus in pregnant mothers can
be very serious as it has been linked to the birth of babies with a brain defect called microcephaly
(smaller than normal head).
On the 7th June the World Health Organisation (WHO) updated the guidance on prevention of sexual
transmission of Zika virus. The period of recommended preventive measures for returning travellers
has now been extended from four to eight weeks. Increasing or widespread transmission has now
been detected in the Pacific Islands including Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. Because of the level of
uncertainty around the safe period, the specialists at Repromed are recommending precautions to
our patients if they are planning to conceive in the next 3 months and about to visit one of the
affected countries.
If you are planning to get pregnant and to visit one of the affected Zika countries in the near future
we recommend the following:
1. Visit the New Zealand Ministry of Health website to get a full explanation about the virus, list
of affected countries and complete recommendations for travellers going to and returning
from affected countries http://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/zikavirus#pregnancy
2. Consider avoiding these countries on your travels
3. If you cannot avoid these countries then the following advice from the WHO should be
observed:
A. “Couples or women planning a pregnancy who are returning from areas where
transmission of Zika virus is known to occur, are strongly recommended to wait
at least 8 weeks before trying to conceive to ensure that any possible Zika virus
infection has cleared; and 6 months if the male partner was symptomatic.”
B. “Men and women returning from areas where transmission of Zika virus is
known to occur should adopt safer sex practices or consider abstinence for at
least 8 weeks upon return. If before or during that period Zika virus symptoms
(rash, fever, arthralgia, myalgia or conjunctivitis) occur, men should adopt safer
sex practices or consider abstinence for at least 6 months”.
4.
Discuss with our Repromed staff other potential preventative measures such as delaying
treatment, freezing semen prior to visiting these countries or having a Zika virus test prior to
treatment (if returning from an affected country.
We are monitoring the situation closely through the Fertility Society of Australia, Ministry of Health
and UK Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and will be updating our sperm and egg
donation screening program according to their recommendations. Both donors and patients may be
questioned about their recent dates and countries of travel to assess their individual risk. Should you
have any concerns or questions about Zika and how it affects fertility treatment please don't
hesitate to contact the team at Repromed.
Disclaimer: The above advice is based on the information available to us but as there is still so much
not known about the Zika virus, how it is spread and its effects Repromed cannot take responsibility
for births of babies affected by the Zika virus through treatment at our clinic.
