Ebola death toll passes 5,000: World Health Organization

DAKAR, Senegal – The World Health Organization says the number of Ebola deaths has passed 5,000.

The UN health agency said Wednesday that overall 14,098 people are believed to have been infected with Ebola, the vast majority of those in the West African countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Of those, 5,160 have died.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

READ MORE: Ebola workers say urgent help still needed; U.S. considers aid request

There are some signs that the rate of new infections may be slowing in Guinea and Liberia, but they are surging in Sierra Leone, it said. In addition, the agency said that there are still areas of Liberia and Guinea where transmission remains high.

The agency has said even these unprecedented tolls are likely an underestimate because many sick people have been too afraid or unable to seek care.

READ MORE: Canada imposing quarantine measures on travellers from Ebola countries