The development of a vaccine against the Nipah virus has been eagerly awaited, as it poses a significant threat in parts of Asia with a fatality rate of up to 75%. The initiative has been taken by the University of Oxford, with funding from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).Oxford starts human testing of Nipah virus vaccine https://t.co/0QQiw6rnCy pic.twitter.com/5bZLaBh7RQ— Reuters (@Reuters) January 11, 2024The testing for the experimental vaccine has been started on humans against the brain-swelling Nipah virus. There is no vaccine for the deadly virus yet.According to the information, 51 healthy volunteers aged 18 to 55 have been chosen for the testing. The technology will utilise the same viral vector technology as the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.Currently in the Phase I safety and immunogenicity trial to assess the vaccines initial safety and ability to trigger an immune response. If this phase goes successful, the next step would be, further trials with larger groups and in Nipah-affected countries will be conducted.Fever, headache, cough and difficulty breathing, with brain swelling could be seen as the symptoms of this. The fatality rate is estimated at 40% to 75%, according to the World Health Organisation.It is to be noted here that this is the first-ever human trial for a Nipah virus vaccine. If successful, this vaccine could significantly improve public health outcomes in regions affected by Nipah virus outbreaks.
