United States researchers are about to test the first experimental vaccine against the Ebola virus in people.

The virus, which kills 50 to 90 per cent of victims, is considered a threat because it is deadly, highly infectious and has no treatment.

US experts fear it could be used as a biological weapon.

The US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases will test the vaccine for safety. The 27 trial volunteers will get three injections over two months and will be followed for one year. They will not be exposed to Ebola virus.

The vaccine uses pieces of the virus DNA to prime the immune system and has protected monkeys from the virus.