The treatment goals for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) are to alleviate symptoms, support organ function, and improve patient survival rates. Modern medicine combines pharmacological therapy with supportive care, and through international collaboration, continues to develop new treatments. Timely diagnosis and early intervention are crucial for successful treatment, especially in controlling viral replication and immune response during the initial stages of illness.
Therapeutic strategies need to be adjusted according to the stage of disease progression and severity of symptoms. Basic supportive therapy is the cornerstone of all treatments, while the use of novel antiviral drugs must strictly adhere to approved conditions and clinical trial results. Medical teams typically administer treatment in isolation environments to prevent virus transmission.
Supportive care is central to treatment, including fluid and electrolyte balance management. Patients often experience severe vomiting and diarrhea leading to dehydration, which requires intravenous or oral rehydration salts to replenish water and minerals. Hemodynamic monitoring allows real-time assessment of renal and circulatory status; vasopressors may be used to maintain blood pressure. Nutritional support involves a liquid diet during early illness stages, progressing to high-calorie, high-protein foods once solid foods are tolerated.
Monoclonal antibody combination therapy is currently the most effective pharmacological treatment. REGN-EB3 and mAb114 are FDA-approved monoclonal antibody combinations that neutralize viral surface proteins, blocking the virus from binding to host cells. Clinical trials in 2023 showed these antibody drugs could reduce mortality from 60% to below 30%.
Ricitrevir, an antiviral drug, has shown in laboratory studies to inhibit viral RNA replication but has not yet received comprehensive clinical approval. Vaccination is used during outbreaks for high-risk contacts; the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine can produce protective antibodies within 10 days post-vaccination.
REGN-EB3 consists of four monoclonal antibodies targeting different viral strains, capable of neutralizing various antigens. mAb114 mimics the antibody structure found in naturally recovered patients. Both should be administered within five days of symptom onset for optimal efficacy.
These antibody drugs must be administered in isolation wards by trained healthcare personnel, with close monitoring for allergic reactions. Supply chain management should be coordinated with international health organizations to ensure stable availability in epidemic areas.
Small-molecule antiviral development focuses on inhibiting viral replication. T-705 (Favipiravir) has shown in animal studies to inhibit RNA polymerase activity, but human clinical trial results are not yet fully published. Combination therapy research is testing synergistic effects of different antiviral drugs to reduce resistance risks.
Patients should be placed in negative-pressure isolation rooms, with healthcare workers wearing PAPR respirators and full protective gear. All medical waste must be handled in double-layer biohazard containers, and environmental surfaces disinfected with sodium hypochlorite every four hours. Individuals who have been in contact with the patient should undergo 21 days of health monitoring.
Patients with bleeding tendencies require coagulation factor concentrates but should avoid anticoagulants like heparin. Patients with high fever should use cold compresses and environmental cooling; alcohol wipes should be avoided to prevent skin irritation. For respiratory distress, high-flow oxygen therapy can be used, but intubation should be avoided to prevent virus spread.
Recovered patients should be followed for six months, as the virus may persist in bodily fluids such as semen for several months. Male patients are advised to use condoms for three months post-recovery and avoid unprotected sexual activity. Diet should consist of low-fiber, easily digestible soft foods, avoiding irritants that could cause gastrointestinal ulcers.
Patients often experience post-traumatic stress disorder; mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy by psychologists is recommended. Community education programs should inform family members about transmission routes to reduce social stigma. Recovered individuals returning home should undergo 12 weeks of community support group follow-up.
RNA interference techniques are being tested using siRNA to inhibit viral gene expression, but nucleic acid drug delivery remains a technical challenge. CRISPR gene editing is attempting to repair damaged antiviral mechanisms in host cells and is currently in animal trial stages.
Genotyping can help select the most effective antibody combinations, such as Zaire strain responding better to REGN-EB3. Machine learning models are being developed to predict disease progression and adjust treatment plans proactively.
Anyone who has been exposed to Ebola patients and develops fever, muscle pain, or bleeding tendencies should seek immediate care at an isolation center. Travelers to epidemic hotspots with symptoms within the 21-day incubation period should notify public health authorities immediately.
Healthcare workers with suspected exposure should undergo post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), including monoclonal antibodies and vaccination. High-risk contacts should be quarantined for 14 days with daily temperature and blood count monitoring.
Early diagnosis allows for immediate isolation of patients, reducing the risk of virus transmission, and enables early administration of antiviral and supportive therapies, which improves survival rates. The virus replicates rapidly after symptom onset; delaying treatment can lead to organ failure, making early intervention essential.
Why are vaccination and treatment combined during Ebola outbreaks in hotspot areas?Vaccination effectively prevents the spread of infection, while antiviral drugs like mAb114 and REGN-EB3 inhibit viral replication in confirmed cases. Combining both approaches treats patients and interrupts transmission chains, synergistically controlling the epidemic.
Are recovered Ebola patients still contagious?Blood and secretions of recovered patients may still contain the virus, especially in semen, which can persist for months. Medical authorities continue to monitor survivors and recommend safe sex practices for several months post-recovery to prevent secondary transmission.
Can traditional therapies be used alongside modern treatments in resource-limited areas?Traditional therapies may pose infection risks due to poor sanitation; reliance on modern medical care is recommended. The World Health Organization emphasizes that antiviral drugs, intravenous fluids, and electrolyte replacement are core treatments, and traditional methods may delay optimal care.
What is the risk of long-term health sequelae after Ebola treatment?Some survivors may experience joint pain, fatigue, or vision problems, but severity varies. Medical teams provide follow-up care, including ophthalmology and audiology assessments, to detect and manage these sequelae early.
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