Ebola deaths now nearing 2,000

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released new statistics indicating that more than 1,900 people have died from Ebola across West Africa.

Addressing reporters in Washington DC, US, Margaret Chan, director of  WHO, revealed that while a total  of 3, 500 fresh cases were confirmed recently in three West African countries, which are the worst-hit by the epidemic, more than 1, 900 deaths have now been recorded.

“As of this week, we are reporting 3,500 cases confirmed in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia and more than 1,900 deaths – and the outbreak is rising,” she said.

Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal are the African countries battling the scourge of the dreaded virus.