Long-Term Effects and Viral Persistence in Survivors of Sudan Ebola Virus Infection

Recent research conducted by Washington State University has shed light on the prolonged health consequences faced by survivors of the Sudan Ebola virus, a strain known for its severe and often fatal hemorrhagic symptoms. The study, focused on the 2022–2023 outbreak in Uganda, found that over half of the survivors continued to experience significant health challenges two years after recovery. These long-term complications include issues related to the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and vision, with symptoms such as joint pain, memory loss, headaches, and depression persisting well beyond the acute phase.

The investigation revealed that traces of the virus could be detected in semen and breast milk months after survivors had recovered, raising concerns about ongoing transmission risks. Notably, the virus was found in semen samples up to 210 days post-infection, with some cases showing reactivation months later. This underscores the potential for sexual and mother-to-child transmission long after recovery.

The research involved 87 survivors and 176 controls, with assessments at multiple intervals over two years. Findings consistently showed that survivors reported more persistent symptoms than non-infected community members. Symptoms showed little improvement over time, resembling long COVID's prolonged symptomatology, emphasizing the need for sustained medical support.

The study's results highlight the importance of long-term monitoring and support for Ebola survivors, as well as further research into viral persistence and transmission risks. With ongoing efforts to understand and mitigate Ebola's long-term impacts, health systems must prepare for the complex needs of survivors.

This groundbreaking study advances our understanding of the Sudan Ebola virus and underscores the importance of continuous care and surveillance to prevent future outbreaks and secondary transmissions.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-sudan-ebola-virus-persist-survivors.html