The United Nations said Monday the Ebola outbreak in Guinea could spread from Guinea to Sierra Leone and Liberia.
At least 80 cases and 59 deaths have been recorded across the West African country, the largest outbreak of "hemorrhagic fever" in Africa in seven years.
Conakry, the capital of Guinea, has not been affected, said government spokesman Albert Damantang Camara said today, debunking Unicef's claim that the outbreak had spread there.
“The forest region where Unicef delivered the emergency assistance on Saturday is located along the border with Sierra Leone and Liberia with many people doing business and moving between the three countries,” said Unicef spokesman Laurent Duvillier. “Risk of international spread should be taken seriously."
— Laurie Garrett (@Laurie_Garrett) March 24, 2014
Ebola outbreak in Guinea believed to have killed at least 59; spread to neighboring Liberia feared: http://t.co/uO3h2J8dXZ
— The Associated Press (@AP) March 24, 2014
“The three cases, which were registered in Conakry have no link with Ebola,” Camara said. “The analyses were made abroad. The outbreak of the disease may be heavier than 59 but the Health Ministry will release a statement on the disease soon.
At least eight health-care workers have died following exposure to the deadly virus, which has no known cure.
‘‘This outbreak is particularly devastating because medical staff are among the first victims,” New York-based Unicef said. There is no specific treatment or vaccine for Ebola.
Supplies delivered over the weekend are being distributed to health-care workers, said Unicef spokesman Timothy La Rose said supplies deliver over the weekend are being delivered.
“We are focusing on prevention,” La Rose said. “We are alerting the public on how to avoid contracting Ebola. Since there is no treatment, this is the best way to stop the spread.”
According to the World Health Organization, the deadly Ebola virus was first identified in 1976 in the Congo and Sudan and is transmitted through contact with blood or bodily fluids of an infected person or wild animal.
Image via YouTube