High numbers of new Ebola cases and deaths in Africa are prompting increased efforts to contain the deadly outbreak . As of July 12 , the cumulative number of Ebola virus cases in Guinea , Liberia and Sierra Leone was at 964 , including 603 deaths . The death toll has almost doubled in a month 's time ; reported deaths in the three countries in mid-June was 350 . A coordination center is being established in Conakry , Guinea , where the World Health Organization is sending epidemiologists , communications experts and other support staff . Trained volunteers are also helping officials find possible cases and isolate infected individuals . Can we stop the deadliest Ebola outbreak from spreading ? The Ebola outbreak in Guinea was first reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in March . By the end of the month , UNICEF said at least 59 out of 80 people who contracted Ebola there had died . In April , the outbreak spread to Conakry , Guinea 's capital , and to neighboring countries Liberia and Sierra Leone . Ebola typically kills 90 % of those infected with the virus , but the death rate in this outbreak has dropped to roughly 60 % thanks to early treatment . Officials believe that the Ebola outbreak has taken such a strong hold in West Africa due to the proximity of the jungle -- where the virus originated -- to Conakry , which has a population of 2 million . Since symptoms do n't immediately appear , the virus can easily spread as people travel around the region . Once the virus takes hold , many die in an average of 10 days as the blood fails to clot and hemorrhaging occurs . What you need to know about Ebola . The disease is n't contagious until symptoms appear . Symptoms include fever , headache and fatigue . At that point , the Ebola virus is spread via bodily fluids . The CDC says this particular outbreak is challenging to contain due to weak healthcare infrastructures and community mistrust and resistance in the affected countries . It is the first time a major outbreak of the virus has been seen in West Africa , which aids in the confusion and fear over the current situation , the WHO said on its website . I survived Ebola but villagers shunned me .
As of July 12 , a total of three deaths from Ebola have been reported . The the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is sending senior disease specialists to Ebola 's capital . The Guinea outbreak was first documented in July 12 , and has been spreading since .