One suspected Ebola case reported in Benin

Porto-Novo (Benin), Aug 8: A patient at a hospital in Benin's capital city of Porto-Novo has been diagnosed with symptoms of Ebola virus disease.

According to health officials, the person was admitted after he reached the capital from Nigeria, Xinhua reported.

The suspected case will only be confirmed after the analyses of his blood samples are completed, the officials said.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Friday declared the Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa as an international health emergency.

It noted that the Ebola outbreak in West Africa constituted an "extraordinary event" and a public health risk to other countries.

The current Ebola outbreak started in Guinea in December 2013.

It has now manifested itself in Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone besides Guinea.

As of Aug 4, the countries have reported 1,711 cases (1,070 confirmed, 436 probable, 205 suspect), including 932 deaths.

The virus is spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of those infected.

"This is currently the largest EVD outbreak ever recorded," the UN body said.

IANS