It is not yet known whether the new Bombali species of the virus — which researchers say could be transmitted to humans — can develop into the deadly Ebola disease. A health ministry spokesman and a researcher who worked on the discovery confirmed the findings to AFP. Researchers who found the new virus in the northern Bombali region are now working with the Sierra Leone government to determine whether any humans were infected. “As precautionary measures, people should refrain from eating bats,” Harold Thomas, health ministry spokesman told AFP. The worst-ever Ebola outbreak started in December 2013 in southern Guinea before spreading to two neighbouring west African countries, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Source: The Guardian July 27, 2018 12:11 UTC