Study reveals Andes virus genetic material can persist in seminal fluid for years after recovery

A study from Switzerland's Spiez laboratory has reignited discussion about hantavirus behavior after discovering Andes-virus (ANDV) genetic material persisting in seminal fluid up to six years post-recovery. Researchers tracked a 55-year-old male infected in South America; while virus disappeared from blood, urine, and respiratory tract during recovery, viral RNA was detected in semen 71 months later. The male reproductive system appears to serve as an immune-privileged sanctuary for multiple pathogens—at least 27 infectious diseases—allowing viruses including hantavirus, Ebola, and Zika to evade immune clearance. Viral persistence depends on initial viral load and replication capacity in genital tissue. Researchers state ANDV can theoretically transmit sexually, though no documented cases exist. Health authorities recommend survivors receive comprehensive safe-sex counseling and semen monitoring protocols analogous to WHO guidelines for Ebola recovery.