Ebola death toll rises

The number of deaths from the outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in the Republic of Congo has risen to 113, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported on Monday. Since Ebola was confirmed early in 2003, 123 people in the Cuvette-Ouest region of northern Congo are known to have contracted the virus. The WHO describes the haemorraghic fever as one of the most virulent viral diseases known to humankind, causing death in 50 to 90 per cent of cases. The current Ebola outbreak is believed to have been caused by villagers eating infected primates. The WHO reported that a new Congolese team of three doctors and seven nurses was trained last week in clinical management and safe burial practices. A mobile medical team is visiting villages in the affected region, carrying out information and surveillance activities.