The figures date from the most recent balance from last November 16, point to a steady increase of the disease, with higher prevalence in Sierra Leone, where in one week 168 new cases were confirmed, said WHO.

'The numbers continue to rise and the spread is persistent' said Amadu Kamara, UN coordinator for Ebola in Sierra Leone. 'Rapid and coordinated response is needed to overcome the transmission of Ebola," said the expert.

'The progress is slow, we fall short, we must accelerate our efforts, "said Kamara.

However, the report indicated that the infection appears to have stabilized in recent weeks in Liberia, while Nigeria and Senegal balances remained unchanged for 50 days.(KH/PL)