Zika Virus and Fertility Treatment (including Donations) Advice in the UK

You may be aware of the current concerns regarding Zika Virus infection and the harm it may cause to your baby during pregnancy. In the UK, current advice is that women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should consider avoiding travel to countries where Zika outbreaks are ongoing, in order to reduce the risk of fetal microcephaly. Almost all cases of Zika are acquired via mosquito bites. However, a small number of cases of sexual transmission have been reported, and in a limited number of cases, the virus has been shown to be present in semen.

Travellers returning from affected areas should consider the following guidance to minimise the risk of Zika virus transmission:

· Female travellers, symptomatic or asymptomatic, should not try to conceive naturally, donate gametes or proceed with fertility treatment for 28 days

· Male travellers, symptomatic or asymptomatic, should not try to conceive naturally, donate gametes or proceed with fertility treatment for six months

If you have been travelling or work overseas please check this website for up to date information www.gov.uk/guidance/zika-virus-country-specific-ri.... Should you work in, or have visited, an affected area please let us know and we will be able to advise you of your options.