Mali confirms four new Ebola cases

Bamako, Nov 16: Mali has reported four new Ebola cases since Tuesday, including three deaths, the ministry of health said in a statement Saturday.

The four patients are related to a Guinean imam who had received treatment in a private clinic in Bamako, Xinhua quoted the ministry as saying.

It also noted that at least 256 people in close contact with the patients are being closely monitored for sanitary control.

Calling on the public to stay calm, the Malian government has taken essential measures to prevent the spread of the disease, the statement said.

The ministry has also urged the people, who came in direct or indirect contact with the patients, to go for a health check.

Markatie Daou, spokesperson for the health ministry, revealed that one of the deceased was a nurse who had treated the Guinean imam in Bamako's Pasteur Clinic.

Mali confirmed its first Ebola case in late October.

IANS