Liberia reports new Ebola cases

A Liberian health-care worker in a burial squad drags an Ebola victim's body for cremation from the ELWA treatment centre in Monrovia. Picture: Ahmed Jallanzo

A Liberian health-care worker in a burial squad drags an Ebola victim's body for cremation from the ELWA treatment centre in Monrovia. Picture: Ahmed Jallanzo

Published Dec 29, 2014

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Monrovia, Liberia -

Authorities in Liberia say there have been dozens of new Ebola cases erupting along the border with Sierra Leone.

The announcement by Assistant Health Minister Tolbert Nyenswah on Monday marks a setback for Liberia, which has seen the number of cases stabilise somewhat after having been the hardest hit country in West Africa.

Nyenswah blamed the flare-up on a number of factors including people going in and out of the country and traditional practices such as the washing of bodies.

Nearly 3 400 people have died from Ebola in Liberia over the past year with nearly 8 000 cases, though health officials say the situation has improved especially in the capital, Monrovia.

Sierra Leone, by comparison, has now eclipsed Liberia with more than 9 000 cases, according to the World Health Organisation. - Sapa-AP

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