Do I look sick to you? *cough cough*

It’s one of the most feared diseases in the world.  It has periodically ravaged portions of Africa since it was discovered in the late 70’s, and this disease, the dreaded Ebola virus, has a staggering 90 percent mortality rate in humans (and a 100 percent mortality rate in monkeys).  However, researchers believe they’ve uncovered a drug that might cure the Ebola virus before it becomes fatal.

Researchers from the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases and civilian firm AVI BioPharma have worked together to develop a trial drug to treat the Ebola and Marburg viruses.  In trials involving monkeys, the antiviral medication saved the lives of 60 percent of apes infected with Ebola, and 100 percent of apes infected with Marburg.  Given the relative mortality of those two diseases, any improvement in a big deal, and a 60 percent survival rate versus a 100 percent death rate is a huge deal!

The FDA has officially approved the new drug for human study.  While it has limited usage, those people who it will save will be eternally grateful.  Any anti-virus progress is good news these days, even if it’s just stopping computer viruses.

Tags: ebola virus, unusual medical news, unusual health news, vaccines, new vaccine, ebola virus vaccine, treating the ebola virus, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, AVI BioPharma, drug treats ebola virus and Marburg virus in monkeys

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