Key facts about Ebola epidemic two years after it was first declared

Two years after the world's worst known outbreak of Ebola was first identified, West Africa is still experiencing small flare-ups, the most recent in Guinea.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the deadly haemorrhagic virus could resurface at any time, since it can linger in the eyes, central nervous system and bodily fluids of some survivors.

Here are some key facts and figures about the epidemic, which has killed more than 11,300 people and infected 28,600, almost all in the three worst-affected nations of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone:

* The epidemic began in eastern Guinea in December 2013 and swept through Liberia and Sierra Leone

* The Ebola virus infected more than 28,600 people and killed 11,300 of them in the three worst affected nations - more cases and more deaths than in all previous outbreaks combined

* Ebola cases were also recorded in seven other countries, including the United States, Spain and Nigeria, but on a much smaller scale, totaling 36 cases and 15 deaths

* The WHO declared the West Africa Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on Aug. 8, 2014

* After a slow initial response, the WHO and nations ranging from Cuba to France poured in trained staff, field hospitals, laboratories and equipment to tackle the epidemic.

see more at: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-ebola-africa-factbox-idUSKCN0WN211