Even though medicine has vastly improved since the Middle Ages, the treatments of the two diseases are comparable. During the Middle Ages, a designated treatment for the Bubonic Plague was unknown. Similarly, specific medications or vaccinations have not yet been determined to cure Ebola. In both cases, doctors instead focused on the symptoms.
Ebola is also similar to the Black Death in regards to the segregation of affected patients from the general population. During the Middle Ages, families were so afraid of contracting the Bubonic Plague that they abandoned their loved ones. By the time the disease had became more prevalent, cities had ordered quarantine. In regard to Ebola today, 35 hospitals in the US are dedicated as Ebola treatment centers. In some areas, especially in underdeveloped countries, patients are being cared for in isolation tents.
In each of the situations, doctors and caretakers also had to take precautionary measures. Medieval doctors tried to shield themselves from the Plague by wearing a protective suit. Their suits consisted of a waxy coat (similar to a raincoat), gloves, boots, and a bird-like mask. The mask had glass inserts to protect the eyes and a long beak filled with herbs and spices to prevent the doctor from inhaling the disease. They would avoid touching patients and instead use a cane. Doctors who treat Ebola also have protective clothing called Tyvek Suits. They are one piece and highly insulated. People who have worn these suits have described it as being in a steam room.
Sources
http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/26666359/fact-sheet-ebola-how-its-spread-symptoms- treatment http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ebola-fever-virus-infection?page=4
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/cures_for_the_black_death.htm
http://www.healthline.com/health/plague#Symptoms4
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2014pres/12/20141202b.html
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