Study Shows Ebola Virus Lives In Semen For Nine Months (Open Fact)

 

A new study has shown that the semen of men who survived the Ebola viral disease may contain the virus for up to 9 months after the disappearance of the symptoms.

The study was carried out by the World Health Organisation, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the Sierra Leonean defence, health and sanitation ministries. 

 

93 men from Freetown, Sierra Leone, who had survived the disease, were used in the study.

Semen from all the men tested positive for the virus after the first 3 months, with more than half testing postive after the 6th month.

Only a quarter of the men tested positive between the 7th and 9th month.

“These results come at a critically important time, reminding us that while Ebola case numbers continue to plummet, Ebola survivors and their families continue to struggle with the effects of the disease,” said Bruce Aylward, WHO Director-General’s Special Representative on the Ebola Response.

“This study provides further evidence that survivors need continued, substantial support for the next 6 to 12 months to meet these challenges and to ensure their partners are not exposed to potential virus,” he added