The virus causing an outbreak in Congo suspected of killing more than 200 people is less common than others that cause Ebola disease, which is complicating the response, because there are no specific treatments or vaccines.
"There's nothing even close to ready for clinical trials," said Dr. Celine Gounder, an infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist who treated patients in West Africa during the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic. "And so that means responders, healthcare workers and other aid workers are really back to the basics."
Last week, the World Health Organization said that its advisory groups had identified some potential vaccines and therapies to test, but recommended they be used exclusively in clinical trials to ensure they are safe and effective. Each would require months of development.
