January 3, 2015

expert reaction to condition of UK nurse with Ebola

The condition of the British nurse being treated for Ebola in London has deteriorated.

Prof. Peter Horby, Associate Professor, Epidemic diseases Research Group (ERGO), Universityof Oxford, said:

“This is sad and unwelcome news.

“Compared to Ebola patients in West Africa we have seen better survival in medically evacuated patients with access to high tech medical interventions but we must not lose sight of the fact that Ebola is one of most virulent viruses we know. Even with advanced medical care Ebola remains an extremely serious disease. We desperately need a better understanding of the disease process and better, specific treatments. Pauline Cafferkey has reportedly received both an antiviral drug and convalescent plasma, but we do not know if these treatments are effective, useless, or perhaps even harmful. This underlines the urgent need to properly evaluate experimental therapies for Ebola, including convalescent plasma, so we know what works and what does not.”

Declared interests

Prof Peter Horby: “I am PI of clinical trials in West Africa of brincidofovir and other investigational products. This research is Wellcome trust funded. No industry or other financial links.”