The embodiments herein relate to a therapeutically active composition for the treatment, inhibition or attenuation of a virus. The composition comprises an effective amount of a sulfur containing compound along with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients. The sulfur containing compound impairs a disulfide bond of a plurality of virus. The plurality of virus includes Ebola virus, herpes virus, dengue virus, smallpox virus, measles virus, mumps rubella virus, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), Lassa fever virus and yellow fever virus, and even cancer, solid tumors, especially the fibrosarcoma tumor. The sulfur containing compound is sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3) (“STS”). The composition is given orally, intravenously, inhalation, intravesical, vaginal, rectal, sublingual, ophthalmic, or topical.