Ebola virus may persist in various body fluids, resulting in the reactivation of illness.

Reinfection with Ebola virus may be possible due to waning or lowered immunity or high viral challenge.

With over 17 000 survivors in West Africa, precautions should be taken to minimize the risk of new cases and outbreaks.

Surveillance systems in high-risk countries should be capable of rapid detection and control of new outbreaks.