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The BBC reported in March that researchers at the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and INfectious Diseases and the Walter Reed Army INstitute of Research have developed a potential vaccine for West Nile virus which they will begin testing on monkeys this month.
West Nile virus occurs in many parts of the world and in 1999 found its way to New York where it was responsible for seven deaths.
West Nile virus is closely related to the virus that causes dengue fever, and researchers created a virus that is a hybrid of weakened versions of both viruses.
The vaccination was first tested on mice and produced a potent immune system response. Next up are tests in monkeys scheduled to begin sometime in April.
If the vaccine proves successful at creating an immune response in monkeys, the movement to clinical trials in human beings will likely begin very quickly since the weakened dengue virus used in the vaccine has already been clinically tested in human beings and shown to be safe. Human trials of the vaccine could begin before the end of the year.
Source:
Vaccine developed for West Nile virus. The BBC, March 5, 2002.