Hemorrhagic Fevers - Treatment

There are few drugs for the treatment of viral infections. Ribavirin (pronounced RI-buh-vih-rin) is one such drug. It is sometimes used to treat lassa fever and other hemorrhagic fevers. Treatment of these diseases is generally aimed at making patients more comfortable. Patients are often given fluids to replace those lost by vomiting and diarrhea. They may be given antibiotics to protect against other infections. Vitamin K is sometimes given to help stop bleeding. Blood transfusions may also be used to restore blood lost during hemorrhaging.

In many parts of the world, patients with hemorrhagic fevers receive no treatment at all. There are not enough medical or financial resources to treat everyone with the disease. People are left to recover or die on their own.