There are indications that those who survived Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) may as well habour the disease which they could transmit to others through sexual intercourse.
This is based on a recent case reported in Liberia. According to a statement by Centre for Disease Control (CDC), America, 30 days after the most recent confirmed Ebola patient in Liberia was isolated, Ebola was laboratory confirmed in a woman in Monrovia.
“The investigation identified only one epidemiologic link to Ebola: unprotected vaginal intercourse with a survivor. Published reports from previous outbreaks have demonstrated Ebola survivors can continue to harbor virus in immunologically privileged sites for a period of time after convalescence”, the CDC said.
According to the statement, Ebola virus has been isolated from semen as long as 82 days after symptom onset and viral RNA has been detected in semen up to 101 days after symptom onset .
“ One instance of possible sexual transmission of Ebola has been reported, although the accompanying evidence was inconclusive”, it added.
CDC said the report is based on investigation by the Government of Liberia and international response partners of the source of Liberia’s latest Ebola case and discusses the public health implications of possible sexual transmission of Ebola virus.
“Based on information gathered in this investigation, CDC now recommends that contact with semen from male Ebola survivors be avoided until more information regarding the duration and infectiousness of viral shedding in body fluids is known. If male survivors have sex (oral, vaginal, or anal), a condom should be used correctly and consistently every time”, the CDC warned.
