In the wake of an Indian national testing positive for Ebola virus in his semen, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has suggested that there should be an embargo on travel from countries with an Ebola outbreak.
On Wednesday, Health Ministry officials asked the Ministry of External Affairs to urge affected countries to issue an advisory to cured Ebola patients to not travel outside their respective countries for a 90-day period.
“Given the virus sometimes continues to survive in secretions like urine and semen for a longer time, it is best for even cured Ebola patients to refrain from travelling. We have suggested to the MEA to issue an advisory to the affected countries, but are yet to hear from them,” said an official.
During convalescence from Ebola Virus Disease, persons continue to shed virus in body fluids for variable periods.
“Even the cured Ebola patient who tests positive for the virus in semen can transmit the disease through sexual contact up to 90 days from the time of clinical cure,” the official said.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Wednesday allayed fears that there could be an outbreak of Ebola virus in the country.
He said that despite the presence of an Indian national who has tested positive for the virus in his semen there is no fear of contamination.
The 26-year old male will remain in isolation for the 21-day quarantine period, Mr. Nadda told reporters.
