UNIVERSITY researchers are helping to fight the next outbreak of the deadly ebola virus.

Researchers from the University of Brighton are working with colleagues in the US to find ways to prevent transmission of the disease as part of a £320,000 study.

Huw Taylor, professor of microbial ecology at the university, said: “The current outbreak in West Africa wasn't the first and it won't be the last.

“It taught us we weren't prepared and so we welcome this new investment in research.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recorded more than 27,000 cases of ebola.

The epidemic appears to have stabilised but spikes in new cases in Sierra Leone remain a major concern.

Prof Taylor, James Ebdon and PhD student Emanuele Sozzi will be taking part in the research, which will include contributing expert knowledge on human waste disinfection.