Ebola Outbreak: Death Toll has Surpassed 1,000, says World Health Organisation

The death toll from the West Africa Ebola outbreak has now surpassed 1,000, the World Health Organisation has confirmed.

The organisation said there were 69 new cases of Ebola and 52 deaths between 7 and 9 August.

WHO said the death toll from the deadly disease now stands at 1,013, with 1,848 confirmed cases in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

"Between 7 and 9 August 2014, 69 new cases (laboratory-confirmed, probable, and suspect cases) of EVD [Ebola Virus Disease] and 52 deaths were reported from the four countries as follows: Guinea, 11 new cases and 6 deaths; Liberia, 45 new cases and 29 deaths; Nigeria, 0 new cases and 0 deaths; and Sierra Leone, 13 new cases and 17 deaths," WHO said.

The news comes as WHO prepares to convene to discuss the role of experimental drugs to treat Ebola in response to the outbreak.

It follows the use of ZMapp on two American health workers who were infected with Ebola in Liberia. Nancy Writebol and Doctor Kent Brantly both improved after being given the drug, which has not yet been tested for safety on humans.

"Currently, quantities of the medicine are limited, which also raises questions about who should receive the treatment," the organisation said.

Details of the meeting are expected to be announced later today.