West Nile Virus Vaccine Developed

Yale University researchers have successfully immunized mice against West Nile virus, raising the possibility of developing a vaccine for humans against the potentially fatal, mosquito-borne infection. Although there have been only about 10 virus-related deaths in the United States so far, West Nile virus is considered an emerging disease with potential for much greater harm. Dr. Erol Fikrigand his colleagues at Yale reported in the November issue of the Journal of Immunology that they genetically engineered a protein from the virus and injected it into mice.

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Compiled by Times medical writer Thomas H. Maugh II