Japanese researchers said Tuesday
they had developed a new method to detect the presence of the Ebola virus in 30
minutes, with technology that could allow doctors to quickly diagnose
infection.
Professor Jiro Yasuda and his team
at Nagasaki University say their process is also cheaper than the system
currently in use in west Africa where the virus has already killed more than
1,500 people.
"The new method is simpler than
the current one and can be used in countries where expensive testing equipment
is not available," Yasuda told AFP by telephone.
"We have yet to receive any
questions or requests, but we are pleased to offer the system, which is ready
to go," he said.