Ebola Virus Infects and Kills More in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone, a country that was once Ebola-proof as outbreaks were frequent throughout Guinea, is now witnessing the highest number of infections and cases of the virus since Guinea documented the first victim in December.

Prior to the first confirmed case of Ebola in Sierra Leone, there were 14 suspected cases that laboratory tests found to be negative. On May 26 the World Health Organization said they were notified of an Ebola virus outbreak in Sierra Leone and sent international experts to help assist the newly infected country. Laboratory tests confirmed positive results for the virus.

Between May 29 and June 1, Sierra Leone recorded 13 new cases of the virus, three of which were laboratory confirmed. Up until that point, they reported a total of 18 confirmed cases and six deaths. An update on Monday provides more sobering results, as that number has jumped to 42 confirmed cases and 12 deaths after only a week. Authorities say they are struggling to control the movement of people, which could be a big reason why the virus is spreading the way it is.

"It is very difficult for us to ascertain community deaths at this moment, but the 12 deaths are the ones the hospital can definitely confirm to have died of Ebola," said Amara Jambai, Sierra Leone's Director of Disease Prevention and Control, in this Reuters news article.

Aside from uncertainty regarding the number of deaths, there remain a slew of other issues in Sierra Leone. The medical experts deployed to the West African country said they are pitted against poor existing health systems as well as a lack of understanding of the Ebola virus among the locals. People who were believed to be infected with Ebola refuse to give health information to the doctors and they hide their sick and attempt to treat them with traditional methods. Six suspected Ebola patients were taken out of local hospitals by their families, defying the doctors' orders.

Guinea and Liberia still remain at risk for outbreaks as well. Between May 29 and June 1, Guinea reported 37 new cases and 21 deaths while Liberia is following up with 11 people who were believed to come into contact with an Ebola patient who died during that time frame.