UN reports second Ebola-related death

UNITED NATIONS - The United Nations on Tuesday reported that another member of its mission in Liberia, known as UNMIL, died due to Ebola.

The report came as Herve Ladsous, the UN under-secretary- general for peacekeeping operations, was briefing the UN Security Council on Ebola, peace and security in Africa.

The UNMIL international staff member, who was diagnosed with Ebola in Liberia on Oct 6 and medically evacuated to Europe on Oct. 8, died last night, said Ladsous, adding that 39 other UNMIL personnel, approximately half of whom are military personnel,have since been placed under quarantine or are being closely watched, for possible exposure.

Earlier Tuesday, the head of UNMIL, Karin Landgren, announced the death of the United Nations Volunteer (UNV) who worked in the UNMIL Medical team.

"UNMIL colleagues are saddened by the tragic news as they continue to serve at this very difficult time," Farhan Haq, the deputy UN spokesman, told reporters here. "The United Nations' thoughts now are with the family and friends of the departed."

Meanwhile, in Geneva, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the total number of Ebola cases has reached 8,914 and 4,447 people were dead.

The United Nations has launched two new initiatives to provide international support against Ebola. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced that it will provide specialized diagnostic equipment to help Sierra Leone in its efforts to combat the outbreak. That support will later be extended to Liberia and Guinea.

Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea are the three hardest-hit countries in the Ebola outbreak crisis, which occurred in March this year.