[Old outbreaks and new vaccines: Italy facing Ebola]

Zaire is the name of the most deadly Ebola Virus (ZEBOV), which caused many outbreaks in past years and is the causative agent of the most recent one. In July 2019, Ebola was declared a public health emergency of international concern. After this declaration, the steps required to prequalify and approve the r VSV ZEBOV vaccine followed each other quickly. Nowadays in Europe the risk of an outbreak is low. However, secondary cases in USA and Spain have alerted public opinion. Italy is not involved except for the assistance to its citizens infected in countries at risk mainly in contexts of humanitarian aid. In epidemic areas the situation deserves close monitoring, as shown by the interest of the WHO, FDA and EMA. Last year the Italian Ministry of Health issued four circulars on this subject to update epidemic data and procedures and to remember precautions. The live attenuated vaccine in use now shows encouraging results; however, the need to evaluate further vaccines remains to guarantee efficacy, safety and adequate quantities.