In an accident worthy of a science fiction movie, a researcher accidentally pricked her finger with a needle used to inject the deadly Ebola virus in a laboratory mouse.
Hours after the incident, several members of the community of virologists, biologists and other experts interconnected in a transatlantic teleconference hastily discussed how to save the life of his colleague.
The result was remarkable. About 24 hours after the accident on March 12, an experimental vaccine tested in humans. Never traveling from Germany to a laboratory in Canada. And in 48 hours, the scientist, a 45 year old woman whose identity was not released, was injected with the vaccine.
Until now the result is positive.
If the rough is still healthy on April 2, may be considered secure.
Ebola hemorrhagic fever, almost exclusively in Africa, is one of the most feared diseases in the world. It begins with symptoms similar to flu and continues with bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Days later, some victims begin to bleed from the nose, mouth and eyes. The most virulent strain of the virus can kill up to 90% of its victims. No cure. It is spread by direct contact with blood or secretions of an infected person.
Dr. Stephan Guenther, head of the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Hamburg, where the researcher worked, told The Associated Press that the scientist is healthy and free of virus, as indicated by the tests so far.
He said the Ebola incubation period of 21 days ended this week and said that with each passing day reduces the risk.
One factor of uncertainty is not entirely clear whether the research actually was infected with the virus. At the time of the accident wore three layers of protective gloves. Although the needle jabbed the syringe plunger was pushed, so it is not certain that the virus has penetrated the blood.
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