Oxford Scientists Race to Develop New Ebola Vaccine for Outbreak

Scientists at Oxford University are developing a new Ebola vaccine.

An Urgent Race

It could be ready for clinical trials within two to three months. The goal is to help tackle the ongoing Ebola emergency. The outbreak is centred on the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The outbreak has resulted in 750 suspected cases and 177 deaths. The rare species of Ebola is known as Bundibugyo. There is no proven vaccine for this species. It kills around a third of those infected.

No Guarantees Yet

There are no guarantees the vaccine will prove effective. Animal research and human trials will determine that. However, scientists say they are working urgently. They want to be ready if the outbreak spirals and their experimental vaccine is needed.

Risk Level Upgraded

The WHO has upgraded the risk from “high” to “very high” in DR Congo. In the wider region, the risk is now also considered high. However, it remains low internationally. The WHO declared a public health emergency on Sunday. It stressed that the outbreak is not a pandemic.