Ebola is one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, but early medical care can significantly improve a patient’s chances of survival.

How Ebola is treated

There is currently no medicine that directly cures Ebola. Instead, treatment focuses on supportive care to help the body fight the infection.

Patients are given intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration, oxygen to support breathing, and medication to maintain blood pressure and treat other infections that may occur alongside Ebola.

Patients are also isolated to prevent the virus from spreading to others.

Health experts say early detection, diagnosis and prompt treatment are critical.

The sooner a patient receives medical attention, the better their chances of recovery.

This is because supportive treatment can help prevent severe complications that often develop when the disease progresses without medical intervention.

Ebola recovery explained

Recovery does not always mean the virus has completely left the body.

In some survivors, Ebola can remain in certain body fluids for weeks or months after recovery.

Many survivors gradually regain their strength, although some may continue to experience fatigue, joint pain or other health challenges during the recovery period.

Medical follow-up is often recommended to monitor their health and ensure they recover safely.

How long will Ebola remain?

The virus may remain in breast milk for up to two weeks, meaning mothers are advised not to breastfeed until it is safe to do so.

In men, Ebola can persist in semen for up to three months, and health authorities recommend abstinence or condom use during this period.

Because the virus can remain in certain body fluids after symptoms disappear, survivors are encouraged to follow medical advice carefully and attend follow-up appointments.

These precautions help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

Ebola immunity after recovery

Survivors develop antibodies that may protect them against the same Ebola species for up to 10 years or longer. However, scientists are still studying whether this protection extends to other Ebola species.

While long-term immunity is encouraging, researchers caution that questions remain about how much protection survivors have against different strains of Ebola.

For this reason, health experts recommend continued vigilance in areas where outbreaks occur.

The Ministry of Health advises anyone who suspects they have been exposed to Ebola, or who develops symptoms, to seek care at the nearest health facility or dial *719# for more information.

Prompt medical attention remains one of the most effective tools in reducing severe illness and improving survival outcomes.

Individuals who have recently travelled to affected areas or come into contact with a suspected case should seek medical advice immediately if they develop symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting or unexplained bleeding.

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