Close X
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
ADVT 
Health

Ebola virus detected in semen three months after symptoms end

Darpan News Desk IANS, 28 Nov, 2014 12:44 PM
    The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned Friday that the semen of men recovering from Ebola can contain the deadly virus up to three months after the symptoms disappear.
     
    Four studies on the persistence of Ebola virus in the seminal fluid of 43 patients concluded that the virus was present in the semen of three men, 40, 61 and 82 days after recovering from the haemorrhaegic fever caused by the virus.
     
    "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," advised WHO.
     
    If abstinence is not possible, the organisation continued, the patient should use condoms.
     
    The studies on which these recommendations are based were not made during the current Ebola outbreak centered in West Africa, but on past epidemics that occurred in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
     
    WHO does not recommend that convalescent men who have tested negative for the virus in their blood be kept in isolation.
     
    The Ebola virus is found in body fluids such as blood, vomit, faeces, saliva, urine, tears and seminal and vaginal fluids.
     
    WHO went on to caution that although the evidence is limited, it is clear that semen is a potential source of infection and can transmit the virus.

    MORE Health ARTICLES

    Defective nerve insulation triggers migraine

    Defective nerve insulation triggers migraine
    The unbearable headache that migraine patients suffer is due to cellular-level changes in nerve structure, says a study....

    Defective nerve insulation triggers migraine

    Mild BP control adequate for people above 60

    Mild BP control adequate for people above 60
    Even a mild dose of drugs used to treat high blood pressure would be adequate for the elderly population who suffer from the condition, a study says....

    Mild BP control adequate for people above 60

    Research offers hope for patients with cardiovascular disease

    Research offers hope for patients with cardiovascular disease
    A new research has shown a protein, which controls the growth of new blood vessels, could potentially reduce the effects of cardiovascular disease...

    Research offers hope for patients with cardiovascular disease

    Premature babies at greater risk of future hip replacements

    Premature babies at greater risk of future hip replacements
    Low birth weight and premature birth are linked to increased risk of osteoarthritis-related hip replacements in adulthood, says a research....

    Premature babies at greater risk of future hip replacements

    Nanobodies to help out in boosting immunity

    Nanobodies to help out in boosting immunity
    Targetting difficult-to-reach areas affected by disease could become a lot easier as researchers have developed a new system to make nanobodies...

    Nanobodies to help out in boosting immunity

    Cancer cell fingerprints could hasten diagnosis in kids

    Cancer cell fingerprints could hasten diagnosis in kids
    Cancers in children will be diagnosed faster and more accurately in future as researchers have identified new cancer cell fingerprints in blood....

    Cancer cell fingerprints could hasten diagnosis in kids