Oxford University starts new Ebola vaccine trials

Oxford University has started Clinical trials for a new Ebola vaccine.

The aim in mind is to counter the Zaire and Sudan types of Ebola, which together have resulted in nearly all Ebola outbreaks and deaths worldwide. Oxford University has initiated phase one of its trials, which involves testing the vaccine on human volunteers.

Ebola vaccines is already available for the Zaire species but Oxford researchers wish to develop a vaccine with a wider sphere of influence.

The lead scientific investigator at the Oxford University, Teresa Lambe, states that Ebolavirus outbreaks still occur in under-developed countries which is seriously endangering the  lives of individuals especially health care workers employed in the region. We need to give special attention towards the eradication of the disease.

There are collectively four types of Ebola virus that have been known to cause the disease in humans. Out of these, Zaire is the most lethal, causing death in 70% to 90% of cases if left untreated.