Updated 6:56pm: US researchers say they're a step closer to developing an Ebola vaccine.

But it will be months before it can be used in the field.

Pharmaceutical companies are scrambling to fast-track experimental drugs that could help fight the virus.

Meanwhile, the European Commission has called for 5000 doctors to be sent from EU states, to combat west Africa's Ebola epidemic.

Senior EU officials are in contact with national governments to mobilise the response.

Ebola has killed almost 6000 people and infected more than 15,000, mainly in west Africa.