Ebola Virus Vaccine News: Experts Reveal Successful Tests
An Ebola virus vaccine has been deemed safe and effective by experts at St. George's, University of London.
According to Medical Xpress, researchers have reported that the vaccine is safe for both children and adults. The vaccine, called rVSV-ΔGP-ZEBOV, also renders the receiver immune to the disease.
"An unprecedented Ebola outbreak showed how it is possible for academics, non-governmental organisations, industry and funders to work effectively together very quickly in times of medical crisis. The results of the trial show how a vaccine could best be used to tackle this terrible disease effectively," Professor Sanjeev Krishna of St George's University of London's Institute for Infection and Immunity said.
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"We need a system of specialists, medical experts and organisers that maintains vigilance against outbreak diseases like Ebola," he continued. "We should continue to improve ways to make, evaluate and deliver vaccines when they are needed, often in parts of the world lacking in infrastructure for diagnosing infections and providing treatments."
A non-infectious portion of a Zaire Ebola virus gene can be found in the vaccine. It is one of two vaccine options being considered by the World Health Organization (WHO).
According to the WHO website, the average fatality rate of the Ebola virus, otherwise known as EVD, is around 50 percent. It has ranged from 25 to 90 percent in previous outbreaks. The Ebola virus comes from wild animals and is transmitted to people. It can then spread through human-to-human contact. The disease is often fatal in humans.
The outbreak that took place in West Africa from 2014 to 2016 is considered to be the worst in history. During this time, 28,600 people were infected with the virus, and 11,300 died from it worldwide.
As of now, there remains no FDA-approved vaccine or cure for Ebola, according to the CDC. However, with promising results from St. George's, University of London, a vaccine may soon be available.
