Ebola genome clarifies origins of West African outbreak
A single person infected with the virus probably sparked the epidemic
![map of the 2014 Ebola outbreak in west Africa](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/ts_ebola-map_free.png?fit=860%2C460&ssl=1)
EBOLA EXPANSION West Africa is experiencing the largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded (map shows data as of August 19). A genetic analysis suggests that the virus causing the epidemic originated in Central Africa, where previous Ebola outbreaks have occurred. Source: S.K. Gire et al/Science 2014
redmal/iStockphoto, Adapted by E. Otwell