Fears as Ebola returns in Sierra Leone

A carer for a woman who died of Ebola in Sierra Leone has now been infected with the virus, heightening fears of a fresh flare-up just days after West Africa was declared officially free of the disease.

The second case to be identified in less than a week is a 38-year-old woman who had helped to care for last week's victim, Mariatu Jalloh, health ministry spokesman Sidi Yahyah Tunis said according to a report by Reuters news agency.

WHO yesterday also confirmed the second Ebola case in Sierra Leone, saying new patient was Jalloh's aunt.

The World Health Organization had declared the West African region Ebola-free on January 15, but stressed the need for vigilance in the months to come. The two-year epidemic has killed more than 11,300 people across West Africa.