Hantavirus may persist in human semen for up to six years and could be sexually transmitted, according to a peer-reviewed study of a long-term patient case. Researchers at Switzerland's Spiez Laboratory tracked a 55-year-old man who became infected with the virus in South America.
Although the virus disappeared from his blood, urine and respiratory tract as he recovered, genetic material was detected in his semen 71 months after infection. This suggests the virus could potentially be passed on years after initial infection. The research team stated that their results show the virus has the potential for sexual transmission.
The study has prompted calls for the World Health Organisation to revise its guidance. Currently, WHO recommends monitoring high-risk contacts for 42 days after exposure. Airfinity, a company tracking global health risks, suggested male patients should receive extensive safe-sex guidance, similar to WHO's Ebola survivor protocols, including condom use until tests confirm they are clear of the virus.
Researchers found only minimal genetic changes in the virus over the six-year period, indicating slow replication. The study does not confirm how often sexual transmission occurs but says the evidence is biologically plausible and warrants further investigation. A spokesperson for the UK Health Security Agency, monitoring British passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship linked to an outbreak, stated there are no confirmed cases in England and that guidance is kept under review.
