Ebola has been a dominant subject in the news lately. Just as with other news worthy events, scammers are out to capitalize on any headline that is trending. Scammers are busy making unsubstantiated claims that there are products such as vitamins, oils,
and dietary supplements that can cure or prevent Ebola. The Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has stated that these claims are untrue and has
warned manufacturers
and sellers of natural supplements about misleading claims regarding certain products.
There are currently no FDA-approved vaccines or drugs known to prevent or treat Ebola. There are some limited experimental treatments that are in the early stage of development, but have not yet been fully tested for safety or effectiveness. If you come
across any claim that there are products that can prevent or treat this deadly disease, do not fall for them. Contact Business Consumer Alliance so we may warn others and report them to the FDA.
While the risk of an outbreak in the U.S. is low, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) provides steps you can take to minimize your risk if you are traveling to
an area where there is an Ebola outbreak. Some of the steps the CDC provides include:
- Washing hands frequently or using alcohol-based sanitizer
- Avoiding contact with blood or any bodily fluids of any person, especially the sick
- Do not handle items that may have come into contact with an infected person’s blood or bodily fluids.
- Avoid hospitals in West Africa where Ebola patients are being treated.
Advertisers constantly make various health claims that may be questionable or outright false. Before getting your hopes up that a particular product, treatment, or medication can cure or prevent a particular disease or ailment, learn how to evaluate the
claims. Check out the BCA guide
How to Evaluate Miracle Health Claims.
About the Author
Nicole Pitts is a Senior Business Analyst and Editor for Business Consumer Alliance. She has been with the organization for 12 years and specializes in report writing, business evaluation, and investigations. Nicole corresponds with businesses regarding
complaint trends and provides suggestions to help them alleviate problem areas that may cause concern. She also conducts advertisement reviews, reports on government enforcement actions, and assists government agencies and the media in obtaining information.
She enjoys reading, movies, and spending time with her family. Nicole can be reached by email at npitts@businessconsumeralliance.org.