Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe, often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus. The main goal of treatment is to manage your symptoms. Options may include:
- Getting fluids to prevent dehydration
- Regulating and replacing salts and other chemicals in the body
- Maintaining blood pressure
- Taking medicine to relieve fever, diarrhea, nausea, and pain
- Getting oxygen
- Treating other infections
There are currently no specific treatments or vaccines approved for EVD, but several experimental treatments have been developed and used in outbreaks with varying degrees of success. Here are some of the most promising treatment options for EVD:
- ZMapp: This is a combination of three monoclonal antibodies that target the Ebola virus. It has been used in several outbreaks, including the 2014 West African outbreak, with some success.
- Remdesivir: This is an antiviral drug that has shown promise in treating EVD in animal studies. It was also used in some patients during the 2018 outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Favipiravir: This is another antiviral drug that has been used in some EVD patients during the 2014 outbreak in West Africa and the 2018 outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Convalescent plasma: This treatment involves giving the blood plasma of recovered EVD patients to current patients, with the hope that the antibodies in the plasma will help fight the virus.
- Supportive care: This includes measures such as fluid and electrolyte replacement, management of fever and other symptoms, and treatment of secondary infections. This type of care can improve the chances of survival for EVD patients.
It’s important to note that while these treatments have shown some promise, more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness and safety. In addition, early detection, isolation, and contact tracing are crucial in preventing the spread of the virus.