The World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in West Africa to be the “most severe, acute health emergency seen in modern times” [1]. Individuals infected with Ebola virus suffer symptoms similar to septic shock, including severe watery diarrhea, and massive dehydration; this fluid loss eventually results in electrolyte imbalances, which can ultimately lead to death.
A key treatment strategy is rehydration of the patient. Placement of an intravenous (IV) line requires healthcare workers with both the training and skill necessary to perform such a procedure, neither of which may be available in many outbreak areas. Moreover, even with appropriate training, providers may not reliably be able to place an IV line in a patient with severe dehydration since blood vessels may be more difficult to locate. Healthcare workers are also at risk for being stuck with a needle containing Ebola-infected blood products, and can subsequently contract the...
