Scientists discover traces of hantavirus in semen six years after infection

A new study by Swiss scientists has raised concerns in the medical community after specialists discovered that hantavirus can persist in male semen for nearly six years after infection. According to the researchers, this may indicate a potential risk of sexual transmission of the virus.

The study, conducted by the Spiez Laboratory and published in the journal Viruses, examined the case of a 55-year-old man who contracted the Andes strain of hantavirus in South America. Despite the absence of the virus in his blood, urine, and respiratory system, its genetic material was found in his semen 71 months after infection.

Scientists believe that the testes may act as a kind of «sanctuary» for viruses, allowing them to hide from the immune system. Similar mechanisms have previously been observed with Ebola and Zika viruses.

Against the backdrop of the study's publication, interest in the spread of hantavirus has resurfaced following recent cases of the disease on the cruise ship MV Hondius.

At the same time, specialists emphasize that no confirmed cases of hantavirus have previously been registered in Cyprus. Infectious disease experts note that no threat of the virus spreading to the island has been identified at this time.

Additionally, there is currently no information regarding specialized long-term hantavirus studies in humans being conducted in Cyprus similar to the Swiss study. However, monitoring of various viral and zoonotic diseases continues on the island.

Experts stress that no confirmed cases of sexual transmission of hantavirus exist yet, but new data may lead to a revision of public health recommendations and intensified scientific research.