The UN advises male survivors of Ebola to abstain from sex

By Caribbean Medical News Staff
The United Nations says that men who have survived the Ebola Virus should abstain from sexual intercourse for up to three months after recovery.
According to the World Health Organization, semen (a bodily fluid) may be infectious for as long as three months after the onset of symptoms.
“Because of the potential to transmit the virus sexually during this time, they should maintain good personal hygiene 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 world agency.

The Ebola virus has killed more than 5 000 people and infected more than 10 000 people in West Africa with many health care individuals having falling ill.

“The Ebola virus is shed in bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, faeces, saliva, urine, tears, and vaginal and seminal fluids. There is evidence that seminal fluids of convalescing men can shed the Ebola virus for at least 82 days after onset of symptoms,” said the WHO.

WHO does not believe that the isolation of males who have tested negative for Ebola.

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