West African Countries Increase Efforts To End Ebola; Liberia Calls For Survivors To Practice Protected Sex Or Extended Abstinence

Associated Press: 3 West African countries increase fight to end Ebola
“The West African countries hit hardest by Ebola are ramping up efforts to eradicate the deadly disease using lockdowns, restrictions on burials, and a warning to survivors about the potential dangers of unprotected sex…” (Diallo/Paye-Layleh, 3/29).

New York Times: Liberia Recommends Ebola Survivors Practice Safe Sex Indefinitely
“The Liberian government recommended on Saturday that survivors of Ebola practice safe sex indefinitely, until more information can be collected on the length of time the virus might remain present in body fluids including semen…” (Fink, 3/28).

PBS NewsHour: Liberian officials urge abstinence for Ebola survivors
“Liberian officials on Sunday urged Ebola survivors to observe a period of strict sexual abstinence after they recover from the deadly virus. The recommendation comes amid fears that Liberia’s latest case of Ebola was the result of sexual transmission. That patient, 44-year-old Ruth Tugbah, died Friday…” (Costa-Roberts, 3/29).

Reuters: Liberia urges sexual caution to beat Ebola outbreak
“Liberia called upon Ebola survivors on Sunday to extend a period of sexual abstinence or protected sex beyond an already advised three months following their recovery, amid fears the country’s latest case may have resulted from sexual transmission…” (Toweh, 3/29).

VOA News: Liberia Urges Ebola Survivors to Abstain from Sex Beyond Recommended Period
“…The World Health Organization recommends that Ebola survivors refrain from sex for 90 days. But Liberian officials urge former patients to at least use condoms beyond that time, until more information is known…” (3/29).

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