Ebola vaccine trials begin

A large-scale human trial of two potential ebola vaccines got under way in Liberia’s capital yesterday, part of a global effort to prevent a repeat of the epidemic that has now claimed nearly 9,000 lives in West Africa.

The trials are taking place after smaller studies determined that the vaccines were safe for human use. By comparing them now with a placebo shot, scientists hope to learn whether they can prevent people from contracting the virus that has killed some 60% of those hospitalised with the disease.

Despite the trials’ promise, authorities must still combat fear and suspicion that people could become infected by taking part. Each vaccine uses a different virus to carry non-infectious ebola genetic material into the body and spark an immune response.