The Ebolavirus genus includes five member species, all of which pose a threat to global public health. These viruses cause fatal hemorrhagic fever in humans and nonhuman primates, and are considered category A pathogens due to the risk of their use as a bioweapon. The potential for an outbreak, either as a result of a natural emergence, deliberate release, or imported case underscores the need for protective vaccines. Recent progress in advancing vaccines for use against the strain of Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV) responsible for the West African Ebola outbreak offers reasons for optimism against EBOV, and demonstrates that protection against other Ebolavirus species is achievable.
Keywords: Bundibugyo ebolavirus; Reston ebolavirus; Sudan ebolavirus; non-human primates; vaccines.