The researchers, including members of the Special Pathogens Branch at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, say four vaccinated monkeys were completely protected from a lethal dose of the virus. The animals have been symptom-free with no detectable virus in their blood for six months after they were infected. Our studies show animals can launch an effective response against the Ebola virus and we can use knowledge of this response to design a vaccine that protects nonhuman primates from infection. Nabel is planning to work with the Food and Drug Administration to begin testing the safety of the vaccine in humans while additional studies continue in primates. The Ebola virus is particularly virulent, killing quickly and giving the body little time to launch an effective immune response.
Infected individuals suffer severe pain, high fever and extensive internal bleeding.
All doctors can do is provide fluids to restore the lost blood. While the virus periodically strikes humans, scientists do not know where in nature it resides between outbreaks. Although other viral diseases claim more victims each year, the nightmarish symptoms of Ebola make it a key target for scientists. A vaccine, if developed, would probably be offered to family members and contacts of those infected and health-care professionals who first confront the diseased during an outbreak. Field workers and laboratory researchers also could benefit, experts say.