Health workers warn Ebola epidemic might spread through unsafe sex

The Ebola epidemic is not necessarily over, according to The New England Journal of Medicine. Last week the prestigious journal reported a study of 100 male Ebola survivors that showed viral genetic material from Ebola persisting in semen up to nine months after the onset of symptoms. That may mean the men can infect their sexual partners long after they’re cured.

As of last week, the 2014 Ebola outbreak has resulted in 28,468 cases and 11,298 deaths. Of the 17,000 survivors, about half are male. Many survivors return from treatment with discharge papers certifying they no longer pose a risk of infecting others.

Last May the World Health Organization revised its interim advice regarding Ebola sexual transmission, offering tips for “safe sex” and recommending male survivors be offered semen testing three months after the disease’s onset. A positive test should be followed up with monthly testing until the patients tests negative at least twice in a row.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is more cautious.

“The time it takes for Ebola to leave the semen is different for each man,” the agency notes on its website. “Based on the results from limited studies conducted to date, it appears that the amount of virus decreases over time and eventually leaves the semen. Until more information is known, avoid contact with semen from a man who has had Ebola.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.