The death toll from the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa has risen to 887, and increase of 158 in less than a week, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The majority of cases are in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, but the latest statistics also show that the virus has spread into Nigeria, with one confirmed death from the disease, and four suspected cases.
The first person to die of the disease in Nigeria was American-Liberian Patrick Sawyer, who flew into Lagos from Liberia last month.
A doctor who treated him has now also become infected, and Nigerian authorities are now monitoring 70 people who are believed to have come into contact with Sawyer. Eight of these people are in quarantine, with three reported to be showing symptoms of the disease.
Last week, the WHO launched a $100 million (£60 million) emergency response package in an attempt to help bring the outbreak under control.
Ebola is spread by contact with infected bodily fluids and contaminated environments, and kills up to 90% of those infected. Initial flu-like symptoms lead to external haemorrhaging from orifices such as the eyes and mouth, and internal bleeding, which can lead to organ failure.
