EBOLA Update

The Ebola Virus continues to ravage the 3 Western African countries of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone even as Americans seem to be losing interest.  The World Health Organization has published the following statistics:

Guinea            2793 cases                        1797 deaths

Liberia             8263 cases                         3515 deaths

Sierra Leone   10030 cases                        2977 deaths

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21,086  cases                       8,289 deaths

 

 

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CBS News

There are several vaccines being developed.  Three pharmaceutical companies with vaccines in the pipeline are:

Johnson and Johnson

This vaccine is in Phase I trials where it is being given to a few volunteers to check for safety and side effects.  Two shots must be given 1-2 months apart.

Glaxo Smith Kline

This vaccine is ready for Phase II clinical trials in February.  It will be given to a larger group of people, probably in Africa. It is made from a harmless cold virus and coated with proteins from 2 strains of the Ebola virus-Zaire and Sudan.  It seems to be well tolerated and induces antibodies against Ebola.

Merck

Mercks Phase I trial was stopped for a short period when volunteers experienced joint pain.  It has now resumed using a lower dose and seems to be well tolerated.