Sanford Health seeks 30 volunteers to test ebola vaccine

Sanford Health is seeking participants to enroll in clinical trial testing a vaccine for the Ebola virus. The Merck-sponsored study will explore the vaccine’s ability to safely generate antibodies that could protect against future exposure to the virus.

The clinical trial, which is free, is open to adults age 18 to 65 who have not previously had Ebola or been in contact with someone who contracted the virus. Sanford is enrolling 30 patients at sites in both Sioux Falls and Fargo to determine if the vaccine can trigger an immune response that might help guard against Ebola.

An Ebola outbreak occurred in West Africa last year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ebola is a rare virus that attacks the immune system and organs and causes internal and external bleeding. The virus, which was discovered in 1976, is highly contagious, can be transmitted by bodily fluids and currently has no vaccine

Trial participants are required to receive a single shot. Ninety percent will get the vaccine, and the remaining 10 percent will receive the placebo. To monitor the body’s immune response, all participants must complete three follow-up visits during the six-month study.

Enrollment is open in Fargo and Sioux Falls. For more information on how to participate, call (855) 305-5064.

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