Sanford Health Seeks Patients to Test Ebola Vaccine

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Sanford Health is seeking 30 patients from Sioux Falls and Fargo, North Dakota to enroll in a clinical trial testing an Ebola vaccine.

The program, which is sponsored by Merck, will explore the vaccine's ability to safely generate antibodies that could protect against future exposure to the virus. Trial participants are required to receive a single shot. Ninety percent will get the vaccine, and the remaining 10 percent will receive a placebo.

The study is open to adults ages 18 to 65 who have not previously had Ebola or been in contact with someone who has contracted the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Ebola attacks the immune system and organs and causes internal and external bleeding.

Sanford Health is based in Sioux Falls and Fargo.

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