U.S. laboratories are ready to begin working on Ebola drugs if asked, reports Reuters. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in conjunction with private industry partners, has established three Centers for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing (ADM). ADMs were established to quickly make vaccines and therapeutics in the event of a major public health threat.

These facilities are able to quickly respond to pandemics or chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear threats. In particular, they have the expertise to quickly switch production lines based on the public health needs. For example, ADMs can begin making the smallpox vaccine if that scourge were to re-emerge or an anthrax vaccine if needed. They are also able to make other life-saving compounds against both natural outbreaks and bioterrorism.

The U.S. became involved in Ebola treatment recently after two U.S. aid workers that contracted the disease in Africa were brought back to the U.S. for treatment. USA Today reported that there were concerns about the possibility of spreading the disease by bringing it into the country. However, hospital officials were confident that they would be able to prevent spread of Ebola beyond the two patients.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that Ebola is a severe acute viral illness often characterized by the sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat.  This is followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. Treatment options, especially in Africa, are lacking. This contributes to its spread and mortality rate. With the help of ADMs, U.S. health workers may be able to make an impact on controlling this epidemic.