To the Point
Ebola Is Spreading: Can It Be Contained?
Almost 700 people have died, and more than a thousand have been infected, in the worst epidemic since the Ebola virus was discovered in 1976. We’ll hear about a horrific disease with no cure, and West Africa's widespread fear, not just of Ebola, but also of Western doctors and their unfamiliar procedures.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenAlmost 700 people have died, and more than a thousand have been infected, in the worst epidemic since the Ebola virus was discovered in 1976. So far, it’s confined to three impoverished West African countries with weak institutions, making its spread political as much as biological. We’ll hear about a horrific disease with no cure, and the widespread fear, not just of Ebola, but also of Western doctors and their unfamiliar procedures. US officials say it can be controlled if it ever gets here, but the epidemic is a massive challenge to the global effort to protect public health.
Also, the latest GDP report estimates economic growth at 4%, and is the fast-food industry on the path to unionization?
Banner Image: Medical staff working with Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF) prepare to bring food to patients kept in an isolation area at the MSF Ebola treatment centre in Kailahun July 20, 2014. Sierra Leone now has the highest number of Ebola cases, at 454, surpassing neighboring Guinea where the outbreak originated in February. Picture taken July 20, 2014. REUTERS/Tommy Trenchard
In this episode
3 storiesStrong Growth in GDP Report
There's been a stunning report from the US Commerce Department, after many months of dismal news about the economy: growth, from April through June, is estimated at 4%, and economists are upbeat. Mark Zandi joins us from Moody’s Analytics.
Read the story7 minThe Worst Ebola Outbreak Ever
Ebola was first discovered in 1976 — a virus that first causes flu-like symptoms that quickly evolve into vomiting, diarrhea and both external and internal bleeding. As many as 90% of those infected in previous outbreaks have died.
Read the story35 minMcDonald’s Ruling Could Pave Way For Workers to Unionize
When fast-food workers demand higher pay from McDonald's, the corporate office says, "take that up with individual franchise owners; it’s not our problem." Now the National Labor Relations Board says the corporation is responsible after all.
Read the story8 min
