The World Health Organization (WHO) warned those recovering from Ebola not to engage in sexual activity for at least three months.
WHO stated the seminal fluids of convalescing men can shed the Ebola virus for at least 82 days after onset of symptoms.
"Men who have recovered from Ebola virus disease should be aware that seminal fluid may be infectious for as long as three months after onset of symptoms," WHO stated.
There is little scientific evidence on the subject, researchers believe semen is a significant potential source of Ebola infection and could spread the infection if introduced to a mucosal surface.
A study performed during the Ebola outbreak in Gulu, Uganda, in 2000 looked at semen of a single convalescent patient and were able to detect the virus for 40 days after the onset of the illness. In 1977, another study was able to detect Ebola in the semen of one convalescent man 61 days after onset of symptoms. A 1995 study detected the virus in the semen of one convalescent man for as much as 82 days following the virus' onset. These collective findings suggest semen could pass on the Ebola virus for as long as 82 days, or three months, after the disease's onset.
The researchers noted the findings are inconclusive because a study that followed four men recovering from Ebola did not see a spread of disease to the subjects' sexual partners.
"Because of the potential to transmit the virus sexually during this time, [infected men] 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," WHO stated. "WHO does not recommend isolation of male convalescent patients whose blood has been tested negative for EVD."
