Duration of Ebola virus RNA persistence in semen of survivors: population-level estimates and projections
Eggo RM., Watson CH., Camacho A., Kucharski AJ., Funk S., Edmunds WJ.
Ebola virus can persist in semen after recovery, potentially for months, which may impact the duration of enhanced surveillance required after interruption of transmission. We combined recent data on viral RNA persistence with weekly disease incidence to estimate the current number of semen-positive men in affected West African countries. We find the number is low, and since few reported sexual transmission events have occurred, the future risk is also likely low, although sexual health promotion remains critical.