title: Duration of Ebola virus RNA persistence in semen of survivors: population-level estimates and projections.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Rosalind M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Eggo
authors.forename: Conall H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Watson
authors.forename: Anton
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Camacho
authors.forename: Adam J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Kucharski
authors.forename: Sebastian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Funk
authors.forename: W John
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Edmunds
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000354:Africa, Western / Q000453:epidemiology; D003289:Convalescence; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D029043:Ebolavirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D019142:Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D015233:Models, Statistical; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012661:Semen / Q000821:virology*; D018571:Sentinel Surveillance; D017741:Survivors
chemical_list: D012367:RNA, Viral
keywords: Ebola virus; epidemiology; outbreaks; public health policy; sexually transmitted infections; surveillance