Libreville, Gabon — The Gabonese government has launched an appeal for international help to cope with an outbreak of Ebola fever about 700 kilometres north of the capital, Libreville.

According to information published by the health authorities, the virus has already claimed 11 lives, all members of the same family. An initial inquiry has revealed the victims may have contracted the disease after eating meat from a monkey whose remains were found in the bush.

Gabon suffered a similar outbreak in 1994-95.

A safety zone has been declared in the area and the whole northern region placed under quarantine. The government has called for vigilance and warned against eating bush meat.

The Gabonese government has launched an appeal for international assistance to handle the outbreak of Ebola fever about 700 kilometres north of the capital, Libreville.

According to information published by the health authorities, the virus has already claimed 11 lives, all members of the same family. An initial inquiry has revealed the victims may have contracted the disease after eating meat from a monkey whose remains were found in the bush.

Gabon suffered a similar outbreak in 1994-95.

A safety zone has been declared in the area and the whole northern region placed under quarantine. The government has called for vigilance and warned against eating bush meat.