An Overview Of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)

Treatments For EVD

As of yet, there is no FDA-approved vaccine, medicine, or antiviral drug available to treat EVD. Each sign and symptom is treated individually as they appear in the patient. However, some basic interventions can help improve the chance of survival if treated early including intravenous fluids (IV), balancing electrolytes with body salts, maintaining oxygen and blood pressure, and treating infections as they arise.

Even if EVD is treated, it can sometimes result in long-term complications such as vision and joint issues. After treatment, the disease may still be found in some body fluids. The time it takes for the virus to entirely out of the body differs from patient to patient, but often will be out of the system within three to nine months. The risks of EVD are very high, but knowing the causes, signs, symptoms, and treatment are the first defenses against it.