Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Shocking Study Finds Andes Hantavirus Could Linger In Semen For Years, Pose Transmission Risk

The risk of <span>hantavirus</span> spreading is generally considered low, as repeatedly stated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other global health agencies, after the recent outbreak on the <span>MV Hondius</span> cruise ship. However, a shocking peer-reviewed study has found that the <span>Andes</span> strain of the rat-borne virus can persist in human semen for up to six years.

More concerning is the possibility that the virus could potentially be transmitted sexually even after a person has recovered, according to the 2023 study published in the journal Viruses.

The research, conducted by Swiss scientists at <span>Spiez Laboratory</span>, suggests that hantavirus may survive in the male reproductive tract like viruses such as Ebola.

The research team, which included scientists from the University of Bern and the University of Lausanne, investigated a 55-year-old man who had contracted the Andes strain of hantavirus in South America six years earlier.

The researchers discovered that although the virus was no longer detectable in the man’s blood, urine, or respiratory tract, it was still present in his semen 71 months later.

"Viral RNA remained primarily detectable intracellularly in semen samples throughout the complete study period of almost six years," the 2023 study stated,

“Taken together, our results show that the Andes virus has the potential for sexual transmission,” it added. However, so far no confirmed case of such transmission has yet been documented.

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/hantavirus-outbreak-critically-ill-french-patient-on-artificial-lung-support-article-154319002" data-type="tilCustomLink">Hantavirus Outbreak: Critically Ill French Patient On Artificial Lung Support</a>

<h2>Andes Virus: Male Testes Hidden ‘Reservoirs’?</h2>

Hantavirus is not the first virus found to persist in the male reproductive system. According to the study, viruses such as Ebola and Zika are also known to evade the immune system by remaining hidden in the testes for extended periods.

A 2021 Ebola outbreak in Guinea, which resulted in 23 cases and 12 deaths, was later linked to a survivor of the 2014–2016 West Africa epidemic who reportedly transmitted the virus sexually years after recovery.

Not Just On A Cruise: Is Hantavirus Already In Your House? #shorts #shortsfeed

The testes are considered a biological “safe harbour” for at least 27 infectious diseases, enabling certain pathogens to remain hidden in the body and potentially spread years after a patient has recovered.

Because sperm cells are essential for reproduction, they are shielded from the body’s immune response. However, this immune protection can also create an environment where viruses are able to survive and persist for long periods.

<h2>Safe-Sex Guidance For Hantavirus-Infected Individuals</h2>

Analysts at Airfinity, a company that tracks global health risks, recommend that male patients should receive “extensive safe-sex guidance beyond the [42-day] quarantine”, the Telegraph reported 

The guidance should be “analogous to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Ebola survivor semen-monitoring protocols,” it added. 

The WHO protocols recommend that the semen of male Ebola survivors should be tested every three months and should not be considered virus-free until two consecutive negative test results are obtained.

Until cleared, they should “abstain from all types of sex” or “use condoms consistently and correctly.”

They should also wash themselves “thoroughly” with soap and water after any contact with semen – including after masturbation, according to the guidance.

Hantavirus Alert: Expert Explains How It May Affect Your Body #hantavirus

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 11 people have been affected by the rat-borne virus so far, of whom three have died.

A Dutch couple is believed to have been first exposed to the virus while visiting a birdwatching site in Argentina.

The WHO has confirmed that the Andes strain of hantavirus — the only strain known to spread from person to person — is behind the outbreak.

While all passengers onboard the cruise have been taken care of by health authorities, the virus' long incubation period is a serious risk factor. Which means that even those asymptomatic can turn infectious 6-8 weeks later.

Health Conditions A-Z

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hantavirus

andes

Andes Hantavirus Could Linger In Semen

Safe Sex Guidance For Hantavirus Individuals

Ebola virus

zika virus

spiez laboratory

mv hondius

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The risk of hantavirus spreading is generally considered low, as repeatedly stated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other global health agencies, after the recent outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship. However, a shocking peer-reviewed study has found that the Andes strain of the rat-borne virus can persist in human semen for up to six years.More concerning is the possibility that the virus could potentially be transmitted sexually even after a person has recovered, according to the 2023 study published in the journal Viruses.The research, conducted by Swiss scientists at Spiez Laboratory, suggests that hantavirus may survive in the male reproductive tract like viruses such as Ebola.What Did The Study Find?The research team, which included scientists from the University of Bern and the University of Lausanne, investigated a 55-year-old man who had contracted the Andes strain of hantavirus in South America six years earlier.The researchers discovered that although the virus was no longer detectable in the man’s blood, urine, or respiratory tract, it was still present in his semen 71 months later."Viral RNA remained primarily detectable intracellularly in semen samples throughout the complete study period of almost six years," the 2023 study stated,“Taken together, our results show that the Andes virus has the potential for sexual transmission,” it added. However, so far no confirmed case of such transmission has yet been documented.Also read: Hantavirus Outbreak: Critically Ill French Patient On Artificial Lung SupportAndes Virus: Male Testes Hidden ‘Reservoirs’?Hantavirus is not the first virus found to persist in the male reproductive system. According to the study, viruses such as Ebola and Zika are also known to evade the immune system by remaining hidden in the testes for extended periods.A 2021 Ebola outbreak in Guinea, which resulted in 23 cases and 12 deaths, was later linked to a survivor of the 2014–2016 West Africa epidemic who reportedly transmitted the virus sexually years after recovery.The testes are considered a biological “safe harbour” for at least 27 infectious diseases, enabling certain pathogens to remain hidden in the body and potentially spread years after a patient has recovered.Because sperm cells are essential for reproduction, they are shielded from the body’s immune response. However, this immune protection can also create an environment where viruses are able to survive and persist for long periods.Safe-Sex Guidance For Hantavirus-Infected IndividualsAnalysts at Airfinity, a company that tracks global health risks, recommend that male patients should receive “extensive safe-sex guidance beyond the [42-day] quarantine”, the Telegraph reported The guidance should be “analogous to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Ebola survivor semen-monitoring protocols,” it added. The WHO protocols recommend that the semen of male Ebola survivors should be tested every three months and should not be considered virus-free until two consecutive negative test results are obtained.Until cleared, they should “abstain from all types of sex” or “use condoms consistently and correctly.” They should also wash themselves “thoroughly” with soap and water after any contact with semen – including after masturbation, according to the guidance.Hantavirus on MV HondiusAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), 11 people have been affected by the rat-borne virus so far, of whom three have died.A Dutch couple is believed to have been first exposed to the virus while visiting a birdwatching site in Argentina.The WHO has confirmed that the Andes strain of hantavirus — the only strain known to spread from person to person — is behind the outbreak.While all passengers onboard the cruise have been taken care of by health authorities, the virus' long incubation period is a serious risk factor. Which means that even those asymptomatic can turn infectious 6-8 weeks later.