Ebola Cure

There is no cure for Ebola, 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, which could prevent Ebola hemorrhagic fever from developing in the first place.

Background on Ebola

Ebola Cure: An Overview

There is only one Ebola cure: time. There are currently no proven 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 a Cure for Ebola

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?

Ebola research scientists are actively researching a new Ebola vaccine. While this vaccine will not be a cure for Ebola, it could prevent Ebola hemorrhagic fever from developing in the first place. The Ebola vaccine is currently being tested in clinical trials.