Vaccine breakthrough
Published: June 7, 2005
Far from central Africa’s jungles where disease is rampant, scientists in Winnipeg have developed a vaccine that holds the promise of being able to strike down two of the world’s most virulent killers.
Researchers at the National Microbiology Laboratory — in concert with the U.S. army — say the trial vaccine offered monkeys 100 per cent protection from Ebola and its deadly cousin, the Marburg virus.
This is an exciting boost for made-in-Canada expertise, making the high-security centre in Winnipeg — where nasty substances such as anthrax are stored and studied — truly “world-class.” The facility is one of only three highly secure Level 4 labs in the world.
HIV and malaria are by far greater scourges in beleaguered central Africa, bringing death in slow, incremental stages.
But Ebola and Marburg, which kill more quickly with violent hemorrhagic fevers, generate widespread fear and panic with death rates often approaching 100 per cent.
Marburg has killed more than 300 in Angola since last year and an Ebola outbreak in the Republic of Congo recently took 10 lives.
Victims of the viruses suffer high fevers, vomiting, diarrhea and can die within a week.
A human vaccine — expected within five to six years — may be available within two years for “compassionate use” to treat outbreaks.
It would give vital protection to hospital workers and family caregivers who often contract illness through close contact.
The vaccine may also halt the devastation of great apes, such as the already endangered western lowland gorilla, which suffer similarly horrific deaths.
With no treatment or cure on the horizon, the Winnipeg vaccine may be an invaluable gift to the world.
See also: Scientists report breakthrough against Ebola, Marburg viruses
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