Ebola Vaccine Proven 100 Percent Effective in Guinea Trial

Early results show a perfect success rate, meaning — if the rate continues — the vaccine could end the outbreak in West Africa.

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The 2014 Ebola epidemic, cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDP) as "the largest in history," has claimed as many as 11,000 lives worldwide — with the current concentration of cases persisting in Guinea and Sierra Leone. Though Ebola has fallen out of the headlines since its mainstream coverage peak last year, the need for a vaccine hasn't wavered — making Friday's news of a "100% effective" vaccine something to celebrate.

"Having seen the devastating effects of Ebola on communities and even whole countries with my own eyes, I am very encouraged by today’s news,” says Norway's foreign minister Børge Brende. "This new vaccine, if the results hold up, may be the silver bullet against Ebola, helping to bring the current outbreak to zero and to control future outbreaks of this kind."

During the Guinea trial, individuals closely affiliated with someone infected with the virus (though not infected themselves) received the vaccine in two different groups — with one receiving the vaccine immediately and the other receiving it three weeks upon identification of an infected person within their most-frequented social group. Of the 2,014 individuals who received immediate vaccination, none of them contracted Ebola. Among those who received a delayed vaccination, 16 total cases were confirmed.

As confidence in this new vaccine continues to strengthen, an "independent body of international experts" has reviewed the study and decided to open up the trials to include those between the ages of 13 and 17 — with an eventual opening for children between the ages of 6 and 12 expected soon.

 

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