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'Drastic action' needed on Ebola | |
(35 minutes later) | |
"Drastic action" is needed to contain the spread of deadly Ebola in West Africa, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). | |
Nearly 400 people have died in the outbreak which started in Guinea and has spread to neighbouring Sierra Leone and Liberia. | Nearly 400 people have died in the outbreak which started in Guinea and has spread to neighbouring Sierra Leone and Liberia. |
It is the largest outbreak in terms of cases, deaths and geographical spread. | It is the largest outbreak in terms of cases, deaths and geographical spread. |
The WHO said it was "gravely concerned" and there was potential for "further international spread". | The WHO said it was "gravely concerned" and there was potential for "further international spread". |
The outbreak started four months ago and is continuing to spread. | |
So far there have been more than 600 cases and around 60% of those infected with the virus have died. | |
Ebola, a haemorrhagic fever, has no cure and is spread by contact with the fluids of infected people or animals, such as urine, sweat and blood. | |
Most of the deaths have been centred in the southern Guekedou region of Guinea. | |
The WHO has sent 150 experts to the region to help prevent the spread of the virus but admits " there has been significant increase in the number of daily reported cases and deaths". | |
Dr Luis Sambo, the WHO's regional director for Africa, said: "This is no longer a country-specific outbreak, but a sub-regional crisis that requires firm action. | |
"WHO is gravely concerned of the on-going cross-border transmission into neighbouring countries as well as the potential for further international spread. | |
"There is an urgent need to intensify response efforts...this is the only way that the outbreak will be effectively addressed." | |
The charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has already warned that the Ebola outbreak is out of control. | |
It says the epidemic will spread further unless there is a stronger international response. | |
Ebola virus disease (EVD) | |
Why Ebola is so dangerous |
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