Archive · 3 Oct 2025
Ebola Virus Detected in Semen, Breast Milk Months After Infection
Scientists have found that the Ebola virus, specifically the Sudan strain, can stick around in survivors even after they seem to have recovered.
They discovered the virus in semen and breast milk of some survivors, which means it could be passed on to others through sex or breastfeeding, even months after the initial infection.
Many survivors also reported continuing health problems like joint pain, memory loss, and depression.
This is similar to 'long Covid'.
This study highlights the importance of providing long-term care and support for Ebola survivors because the virus can affect their lives long after the outbreak ends.
There is also a current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Researchers detected the Sudan Ebola virus in semen and breast milk months after infection.
The findings raise concerns about sexual and mother-to-child transmission.
About 60% of survivors from a 2022-23 outbreak reported ongoing health issues two years post-infection.
Survivors experienced symptoms affecting their musculoskeletal and central nervous systems.
The study comes amid an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Who
- US Researchers, Ebola survivors
- What
- Detected the Sudan Ebola virus in semen and breast milk, raising concerns about transmission; ongoing health issues reported by survivors.
- When
- Study followed survivors over two years; virus detected months after infection
- Where
- Focus on survivors from an outbreak in Uganda and current outbreak in Kasai Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Why
- To understand long-term effects and potential transmission risks of Ebola.
- Virus Strain
- Sudan Ebola
- Transmission Concerns
- Sexual and mother-to-child
- Survivor Symptoms
- Musculoskeletal, central nervous system, and eye issues
- Semen Detection
- Up to 210 days after infection; reactivation observed in two men after 8 months
- Breast Milk Detection
- Up to 199 days after infection
- Current Outbreak Location
- Kasai Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Current Outbreak Cases
- 64, with 42 deaths reported as of Wednesday