Is There a Cure for Ebola?

Some people may ask, "Is there a cure for Ebola?" There is no cure for Ebola to kill the Ebola virus; however, Ebola research scientists are working on a new Ebola vaccine that may prevent infection with the virus. When symptoms of Ebola do begin, healthcare providers can only offer supportive care.

 

Is There a Cure for Ebola? -- An Overview

Time is the only Ebola cure. There are currently no proven Ebola treatment options that can kill the Ebola virus, and there is no Ebola vaccine that can prevent an infection.
 

Is There a Cure for Ebola? -- Time as an Ebola Cure

A person will not feel sick for several days to a few weeks after being infected with the Ebola virus. When Ebola symptoms do develop, healthcare providers can only offer supportive care. Supportive care involves treating symptoms and complications of Ebola while the body fights the infection. Supportive care for Ebola can include:
 
  • Good nursing care
  • Oxygen and devices that help with breathing
  • Intravenous (IV) fluids to maintain fluids and electrolytes
  • Medications to control fever, help the blood clot, and maintain blood pressure
  • Antibiotics to prevent secondary infections.
     
Despite supportive care, 50 to 90 percent of Ebola patients do not survive the infection.
 

Could a Vaccine Be a Cure for Ebola?

Some Ebola research scientists have focused their efforts on developing a new Ebola vaccine. This vaccine may prevent Ebola hemorrhagic fever from developing, but will not be a cure for Ebola. 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