At least five people have died in Sierra Leone from the Ebola virus. Health officials have confirmed 15 cases of Ebola in the country, following outbreaks in neighboring Guinea and Liberia.
According to the most recent update from the World Health Organization, as of May 29, 2014 the cumulative total number of suspected clinical cases of Ebola had risen to at least 50, including 5 deaths (2 confirmed, 3 probable). An additional death is suspected to be from the virus but not yet confirmed.
No cases have been reported to date in the capitol and largest city, Freetown.
Foreign mining company personnel from the UK have left the country over the Ebola threat, while others are undergoing body temperature screening at work sites, according to reports from the Associated Press.
Sierra Leone has restricted travel in some areas, and reaffirmed an earlier ban on trips to funerals in neighboring Guinea in a bid to stop the spread of the disease.
“We are working hard to contain the disease and to ensure we stop the spread,” said Health ministry spokesman Yaya Tunis.
