WHO Says Ebola Has So Far Killed 5,420 People

The Ebola epidemic has so far claimed the lives of 5,420 people all around the world, while more than 15,145 people have been infected, the World Health Organization (WHO) says. The virus has been most devastating in the West African countries of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, which have seen the most fatalities with 2,964, 1,250 and 1,192 deaths, respectively, the WHO announced on Wednesday. However, the WHO predicts that the number of Ebola victims is likely to be much higher than the official statistics, considering the 70-percent mortality rate.

Meanwhile, the World Bank reports that the impact of the Ebola virus on Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy is expected to be around $3-$4 billion, so much less than the organization’s earlier estimate of $32 billion as the utmost possible damage. "The risk of the highest case of economic impact of Ebola has been reduced because of the success of containment in some countries. It has not gone to zero because a great level of preparedness and focus is still needed," said Francisco H. G. Ferreira, the World Bank's Chief Economist for the Africa Region, in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

Ebola is a form of hemorrhagic fever whose symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting and bleeding. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected blood, feces or sweat. It can also be spread through sexual contact or the unprotected handling of contaminated corpses. There is currently no known cure for Ebola.