Ebola vaccine tested during epidemic saves lives in Congo

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  1. The World Health Organization(WHO) has suggested that Merck’s vaccine (VSV-EBOV) used during the current outbreaks in Congo was 97.5% efficacious in preventing Ebola infection.
  2. Recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus–Zaire Ebola virus (VSV-EBOV) is an experimental vaccine for protection against Ebola virus disease.
  3. When VSV-EBOV is injected,the vaccinated individuals generates antibodies against EBOV protein,thereby gaining immunity.
  4. The vaccine was developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada and licensed to NewLink Genetics.
  5. In November 2014,Merck entered into a licensing agreement with NewLink Genetics to research,develop,manufacture and distribute the vaccine.
  6. Ebola virus disease(EVD) formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe often fatal illness in humans.The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission.
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