Close Window
Potential Ebola Cure for Humans Discovered June 11, 2010
Ebola patient care
Ebola has long been a threat to world health due to its high death rate and potential use as a biological weapon.
An experimental treatment that could one day save humans from the ravages of Ebola has been proven to be 100 percent effective in curing monkeys of the disease.

The U.S.-based National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories says the new treatment uses RNA, a type of genetic material similar to DNA, which prevents the Ebola virus from reproducing by targeting three viral proteins.

The Boston University laboratory says more research is needed to determine if the treatment is safe for humans.

Ebola kills about 90 percent of people who become infected.

It causes fever, diarrhea, vomiting and sometimes hemorrhaging from bodily orifices.

Photo: Peace Corp