Disease

Scientists Discover New Ebola Virus Species

Scientists have discovered a previously unknown species of Ebola virus, called Bombali virus, that's carried by at least two species of bats in Sierra Leone. This is the first Ebola virus species detected in an animal before having been detected in humans.

Although researchers believe the virus is capable of infecting humans, it's unclear if it would cause disease.

The Bombali virus joins the five already-known Ebola virus species: Zaire virus, Bundibugyo virus, Sudan virus, Taï Forest virus and Reston virus. Of those five, all except the Reston virus are known to cause severe and often fatal disease in humans.

Hepatitis E - Namibia

The Namibian Ministry of Health has warned members of the public against shaking hands in order to minimize the spread of the Hepatitis E virus. At least 24 people have died and 3 000 suspected cases have been reported since the outbreak was detected in the capital Windhoek in December last year.