UK scientists developing new Ebola vaccine that could be ready in months
UK scientists at Oxford University are developing a new Ebola vaccine that could be ready in a few months. The vaccine targets the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, which has caused a recent outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency due to the rising number of suspected cases and deaths.
- ▪The current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reached 750 suspected cases and 177 deaths.
- ▪The Oxford vaccine uses a modified cold virus to deliver genetic material that helps the immune system recognize and fight the Bundibugyo Ebola virus.
- ▪Animal testing for the vaccine is already underway, and the Serum Institute of India is prepared to mass produce it once medical-grade material is available.
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UK scientists developing new Ebola vaccine that could be ready in months10 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleJames GallagherHealth and science correspondentGetty ImagesScientists at Oxford University have a made a new vaccine that could be used within months to help tackle the Ebola emergency.The outbreak, centred on the Democratic Republic of Congo, has reached 750 suspected cases and 177 deaths. The rare species of Ebola involved - known as Bundibugyo - kills around a third of those infected and has no proven vaccine yet. They say they are working urgently in case the outbreak spirals and their experimental vaccine is needed.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at BBC News.
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