What Is Ebola Virus?
6. Are There Any Treatments for Ebola Virus?
There are no treatments specifically to treat the Ebola virus. At present, doctors only provide medications to ease symptoms and suffering, meaning patients may receive intravenous or oral fluids to rehydrate their systems and pain management measures. However, beyond hydration and pain therapy, researchers are testing treatments like drug and blood products that may help people get through the initial phases of the virus, drastically improving their odds for survival.
In the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, researchers are conducting randomized control multi-drug trials for the first time. Oversight with these trials ensures that patients receive treatment under an ethical framework, and the results provide a critical interpretation of the safety and effectiveness of drugs used to treat the Ebola virus.
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