West Nile virus infection and egg donation in the USA

Hello Doc,

I’m from Phoenix, Arizona and in year 2010 I was diagnosed with the WNV. I’ve been taking over-the-counter pain relievers ever since (ibuprofen, aspirin…) to relieve my muscle aches and headaches, sometimes accompanied by brain swelling. Today I’ve it quite controlled but anyway there’s no cure as it’s a virus. I’m currently going through financial issues, so I think donating my eggs will get me some financial relief. Do you think I’ll be accepted as an egg donor despite suffering from WNV?

Thanks

Dear Carey3v,

There is still no definitive evidence linking West Nile Virus transmission with reproductive cells in women. However, according to the ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine), practitioners are recommended to defer gamete donors who have confirmed WNV infections until 14 days after the condition is resolved or 28 days from the onset of symptoms.

So, I’m afraid you are likely to be ineligible for egg donation as there is some risk that you pass the WNV infection to the donor-conceived child. Still, my advice is that you ask your physician for further recommendations.

Best wishes