An Ebola survivor (Photo : Reuters/Ricci Shryock)
Liberia authorities are strongly recommending to Ebola survivors not to engage in sex temporarily, NBC News reported. This move was triggered by a fresh case that authorities believe may have resulted from sexual transmission.
The latest Ebola victim is a 44-year-old woman who died last Friday. Tolbert Nyenswah, Deputy Health Minister, said that health officials were examining people who have come in contact with the Ebola victim. However, none of them showed symptoms of the disease. Nyenswah further said that the latest information shows that sexual transmission may have taken place.
The traces of Ebola virus in semen has been found in a few survivors for 82 days after the emergence of symptoms, according to research. There is no scientific proof these the traces of virus are infectious. However, anecdotal proof in the recent case have led experts to caution people of the risk of sexually transmitted Ebola.
The World Health Organization advises people who survived Ebola infection to refrain from sex for 90 days. At the minimum, former Ebola patients should practice safe sex. Nyenswah said that Ebola survivors should use condoms beyond three months until more information is known.
Around more than 10,300 people have died of Ebola across Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. Alpha Conde, President of Guinea, declared on Saturday new emergency measures that allow authorities to regulate movements in western Guinea, according to Reuters.
Dr. Philderald E. Pratt, assistant representative in Liberia of the United Nations Population Fund, said that a campaign is required to inform the public about the uncertainties.
