Ebola Cure

There is no Ebola cure other than time. When symptoms of Ebola begin, healthcare providers can only offer supportive care while the body attempts to fight the infection. Despite this care, death still occurs in 50 to 90 percent of cases. Scientists are actively researching a new Ebola vaccine. While this vaccine will not be an Ebola cure, it could prevent Ebola hemorrhagic fever from developing in the first place.
 

Ebola Cure: An Overview

There is only one Ebola cure: time. There are currently no proven Ebola treatment options that can kill the Ebola virus. And while researchers are working on an Ebola vaccine to prevent infections, it is still being tested in clinical trials.
 

Time as an Ebola Cure

When a person is infected with Ebola virus, he or she will not feel sick for anywhere from several days to a few weeks. When Ebola symptoms do begin, healthcare providers can only offer supportive care. Supportive care refers to treating symptoms and complications of the virus. Supportive care for Ebola can include:
 
  • Intravenous (IV) fluids to maintain fluids and electrolytes
  • Medications to control fever, help the blood clot, and maintain blood pressure
  • Oxygen and devices that help with breathing
  • Antibiotics to prevent secondary infections from bacteria
  • Good nursing care.
     
Despite supportive care, death occurs in between 50 to 90 percent of Ebola patients.
 

What About Using a Vaccine as an Ebola Cure?

Ebola research scientists are actively researching a new Ebola vaccine. While this vaccine will not be an Ebola cure, it could prevent Ebola hemorrhagic fever from developing in the first place. The Ebola vaccine is currently being tested in clinical trials.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD