The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday warned that it is possible for the Ebola virus to be present in semen for three months after recovery.
The WHO said in a briefing note that “semen may be infectious with the Ebola virus for as long as three months after onset of symptoms.”
“The Ebola virus is shed in bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, faeces, saliva, urine, tears, and vaginal and seminal fluids,” WHO said. “There is evidence that seminal fluids of convalescing men can shed the Ebola virus for at least 82 days after onset of symptoms.”
“Because of the potential to transmit the virus sexually during this time, they should maintain good personal hygiene after masturbation, and either abstain from sex (including oral sex) for three months after onset of symptoms, or use condoms if abstinence is not possible,” according to the health agency.
WHO, however, said it does not recommend isolation of male convalescent patients whose blood has been tested negative for Ebola.
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