The 2014 Ebola outbreak is the largest in history. By late September, more than 7,100 Ebola infections and 3,300 deaths were reported by the World Health organizations. It’s the first Ebola outbreak in West Africa and the first to affect major cities.
“NIH News in Health” http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/issue/October2014 reports that scientists have sequenced the genomes of nearly 100 samples of the Ebola virus from patients in West Africa. The findings are helping researchers track the origin and spread of the virus.
The international research team collected virus samples from 78 patients living near the origin of the 2014 outbreak and have used advanced technologies to quickly and accurately analyze the viral genomes. The results were then compared to Ebola genomes from earlier outbreaks.
The research shows how genomic surveillance can help track and possible help slow the spread of Ebola as the outbreak continues. Understanding the genetics of the virus will also help scientists develop new and improved drugs and vaccines.