The fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo came to the world’s attention only a little more than a week ago. But it is already the third-largest on record.
The outbreak, which is centered in the eastern part of the African nation, is believed to have caused at least 238 deaths and more than 1,000 suspected infections so far, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Driven by the Bundibugyo strain, a rare form of Ebola, the virus has also crossed into neighboring Uganda, which has reported at least seven cases associated with the outbreak, including one death.
Ebola can be fatal in as many as 25% to 90% of people who get infected. Scientists are now racing to develop new potential vaccines and treatments that could help stop this outbreak, but…