Introduction to the problem

The Ebola virus is a filovirus, a single-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus enveloped with a lipid layer. It was first identified in 1976 and is zoonotic—spreading from infected animal hosts to human populations. The animal vector from which Ebola spreads to humans is currently unknown. However, the virus is spread from person to person through direct contact with bodily fluids, placing frontline healthcare workers and family caregivers at high risk of both contracting and spreading the virus.

The Ebola virus inhibits immune response, inhibits clotting, promotes renal and electrolyte dysfunction, and promotes acidosis. All of these contribute to hypovolemia, which triggers organ failure and death in many cases. It is endemic to several areas of Africa, including the Congo Basin, where the majority of outbreaks have originated. Case fatality rates are typically in the 40-50% range in known outbreaks, typically due to a lack of supportive care...