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DAKAR. – Deep in the forests of southern Guinea, the first victims fell ill with high fevers. People assumed it was the perennial killer malaria and had no reason to fear touching the bodies, as is the custom in traditional funerals.
The disease has turned up in Liberia and Sierra Leone and 539 deaths have been attributed to the outbreak that is now the largest on record.
The key to halting Ebola is isolating the sick, but fear and panic have sent some patients into hiding, complicating efforts to stop its spread. Ebola has reached the capitals of all three countries, and the World Health Organisation reported 44 new cases including 21 deaths on Friday.

Doctors Without Borders says it fears the number of patients now being treated in Sierra Leone could be “just the tip of the iceberg.” -AP.