KAMPALA, Uganda — The Ministry of Health has advised men who recover from Ebola to abstain from sexual intercourse for at least six months or use condoms consistently and correctly, warning that the virus can remain in semen even after a patient has recovered.
The guidance was issued on the Ministry’s official social media platforms as part of ongoing public awareness efforts aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola during and after outbreaks.
“Men who recover from #Ebola should avoid sex for at least 6 months or use condoms consistently and correctly. This is because the virus can stay in semen even after recovery,” the Ministry said in a statement shared online.
Health officials emphasized that while Ebola patients may recover clinically, traces of the virus can persist in certain body fluids, particularly semen, for months after symptoms have disappeared. This means recovered male patients may still be capable of transmitting the virus sexually.
Responding to a public inquiry on social media, the Ministry confirmed that sexual transmission of Ebola is possible.
“Yes, a person infected with Ebola can transmit it sexually,” the Ministry stated.
The warning comes as authorities continue to strengthen public health messaging under the campaign hashtags #MOHatWork and #FightEbolaUG26, which are being used to promote awareness about Ebola prevention and control measures.
Public health experts have long cautioned that Ebola survivors require continued monitoring and support even after recovery. According to the World Health Organization, Ebola virus disease can persist in immune-protected areas of the body, including the testes, making safe sexual practices essential during the post-recovery period.
Health advocates welcomed the Ministry’s latest advisory, urging the public to take the warning seriously.
“Take this as a serious warning. Ebola doesn’t play,” public health researcher Graca Awele wrote on social media in response to the Ministry’s announcement.
The Ministry has encouraged the public to remain vigilant, follow all Ebola prevention guidelines, report suspected cases promptly, and support survivors as they reintegrate into their communities.
Uganda has previously experienced several Ebola outbreaks, with health authorities relying on community awareness, surveillance, safe burial practices, and infection prevention measures to contain the disease and prevent further transmission.