HOPES of a breakthrough in the fight against Ebola were raised yesterday after monkeys were successfully treated with experimental drug ZMapp, scientific journal Nature reported yesterday.

The animals were cured despite the medicine being administered five days after infection, while they were displaying severe symptoms.

All 18 rhesus macaques made a complete recovery, in contrast to three other untreated monkeys that quickly fell seriously ill and died.

ZMapp is a blend of three laboratory-made antibodies designed to neutralise the virus.

Two US doctors given the drug after they were infected with Ebola while working in Liberia subsequently recovered.

But it is not known what role the drug played. About 45 per cent of those infected in the current outbreak have survived without treatment.

At least two other patients treated with ZMapp have died, possibly it was administered too late.