Despite stepped-up border controls, an outbreak of the deadly Ebola disease has spread from Gabon to neighbouring Republic of Congo, the World Health Organisation and government officials have said.
Republic of Congo health officials have identified 11 cases in a remote, forested region on the northeastern border with Gabon, where 16 cases have already been reported, who aid in a statement released in Geneva on Thursday. At least 15 of the victims have died but it was not clear exactly how many- if any - of the deaths occurred in Republic of Congo.

Republic of Congo's health ministry confirmed the outbreak, but said the number of people infected was less than 10. Authorities on both sides of the border had feared the disease would spread and restricted movement between the two central African countries.

But at least one woman believed to be infected with Ebola fled Gabon to the other side of the border in Mbomo village, Republic of Congo, health authorities said.

Bureau Report