Cure for Ebola

There is no remedy that can kill the Ebola virus. Once symptoms begin, healthcare providers can only offer supportive care while the body fights the infection. Still, between 50 and 90 percent of people with Ebola die as a result. Scientists are working on a new vaccine, and while this vaccine would not be an Ebola cure, it could prevent hemorrhagic fever from developing.

Ebola Info

Can Ebola Be Cured?

There is only one Ebola cure: time. There is currently neither an Ebola vaccine to prevent an infection, nor any proven treatment options that can kill the virus.

Time as a Cure for Ebola

When a person is infected with the Ebola virus, he or she will not feel sick for several days to a few weeks. Healthcare providers can only offer supportive care once symptoms begin. Supportive care involves treating symptoms and complications of Ebola. This can include:

Good nursing care
Oxygen and devices that help with breathing
Medications to control fever, help the blood clot, and maintain blood pressure
Antibiotics to prevent the development of secondary infections from bacteria
Intravenous (IV) fluids to maintain fluids and electrolytes.

Death still occurs in between 50 and 90 percent of people with Ebola, even with supportive care.

Vaccine as a Cure for Ebola

Ebola research scientists have been working on a new vaccine. While this will not be an Ebola cure, it could prevent hemorrhagic fever from developing in the first place. The vaccine is currently being tested in clinical trials.