Since August 2014, FDA has warned consumers to beware of products sold online claiming to prevent or treat the Ebola virus. FDA's actions are part of the agency's broader effort to stop false claims from spreading quickly through social media by holding the sellers responsible. "Whenever there is some kind of a public health scare, there is some enterprising company that says, 'Oh, I'll create a product and I'll say that it treats that health concern.' And they will sometimes choose to call it a dietary supplement because they think that will evade the attention of the regulators," said Steve Mister, president and chief executive officer for the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a trade group representing dietary supplement manufacturers. In the last month, FDA has sent several warning letters to distributors of essential oils and other products that claim these products prevent or treat Ebola and other ailments. The Federal Trade Commission is also monitoring the internet for these types of claims, says Rich Cleland of that agency's advertising practices division.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.