A new study attempts to ease lingering fears that the Ebola virus ravaging West Africa could become more contagious and deadly.
A National Institutes of Health study released Thursday found the Ebola virus had relatively few mutations, ensuring that scientists developing new treatments and diagnostics on the virus won’t be impeded.
Researchers analyzed virus samples cultivated from cases in Guinea and Sierra Leone, which combined with Liberia have been the countries hit hardest by the virus. The researchers also received samples from cases in Mali.
The virus is mutating, but at an expected rate and there is no evidence of changes that would make it more contagious or deadly.
The study is good news for developers of vaccines, treatments and diagnostic tests for the virus. Now they can be assured there won’t be any unexpected mutations that will throw off development of new treatments or tests, NIH said.
The study also helps dispel any lingering fears that the virus could change and become airborne. Ebola is transmitted through touching a symptomatic infected person or their bodily fluids.
While there has been speculation that the virus could go airborne, numerous scientists have said it would be the first time in human history that a virus would change its mode of transmission.
So far the virus has killed more than 10,000 people, according to the World Health Organization.
