The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is closely monitoring the current Ebola outbreak and helping mitigate the threat by making medical products available to response efforts, according to an article on the FDA website.

The agency is using its global networks to support international response efforts.

"We ... know that the availability of safe and effective medical products for the treatment of Ebola is imperative to support individuals who may already be affected directly by this life-threating pathogen," according to an FDA statement.

"We’ve also learned from experience responding to previous outbreaks that efforts must include protecting unsuspecting consumers from fraudulent products claiming to prevent, treat or cure a disease. Unfortunately, this kind of fraudulent activity frequently occurs during outbreak situations. As part of the response to the current Ebola outbreak in the DRC, we’re taking action to protect consumers from sham products by monitoring for false product claims. It’s important for consumers to remember that there are no approved treatments or vaccines for Ebola available for purchase on the Internet. Consumers who’ve seen fraudulent products being marketed or false claims are encouraged to report them to the FDA."

Read the article.