Q: Please Dr, has there been any cure for the Ebola disease?

A: Unfortunately not. Nothing has changed on that front. The experimental drug, Zmapp has shown promising signs given that the two Americans who had the drug administered appear to be doing well. However, this drug is not officially noted as a treatment for Ebola. Indeed the doses of this drug available are few and far between. It does give hope that perhaps we’re not too far from a cure/vaccine. Clinical trials of Ebola vaccines are due to start next month.

In the meantime, the only treatment for Ebola remains supportive treatment and this involves anticipating all probable problems and pre-empting them. So, these patients have their blood pressures and other vitals being checked and maintained frequently.

The good news is that with this supportive therapy, one of the doctors who initially tested positive for the virus has been discharged from the hospital and declared fit. That’s awesome!

Q: Please, how can we prevent Ebola in hospitals especially when taking vital signs like blood pressure and temperature?

A: Great question! Given the fact that hospital devices can get contaminated with germs, this is a valid question.

In the wake of Ebola, a lot of hospitals have invested in infra-red thermometers. As for blood pressure, disposable cuffs would be the way to go. The cuff is that part of the sphygmomanometer that is inflated when the blood pressure is being checked.

Have a great week ahead, people 😀