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A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention press release obtained by MRCTV on Wednesday announced preliminary findings of an ongoing Ebola study, showing that fragments of the deadly virus can persist in the semen of survivors for "at least" nine months.
The CDC press release reads,
“Preliminary results of a study into persistence of Ebola virus in body fluids show that some men still produce semen samples that test positive for Ebola virus nine months after onset of symptoms.
[…]
“The first phase of this study has focused on testing for Ebola virus in semen because of past research showing persistence in that body fluid. Better understanding of viral persistence in semen is important for supporting survivors to recover and to move forward with their lives.”
The study is a joint effort by the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Sierra Leone Ministry of Defense, the World Health Organization, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Researchers hope to use the study's findings to protect the partners of Ebola survivors from possible infection.
“These results come at a critically important time, reminding us that while Ebola case numbers continue to plummet, Ebola survivors and their families continue to struggle with the effects of the disease,” said Bruce Aylward, WHO Director-General’s Special Representative on the Ebola Response.
“This study provides further evidence that survivors need continued, substantial support for the next 6 to 12 months to meet these challenges and to ensure their partners are not exposed to potential virus.”