Liberia reports dozens of new Ebola cases along border

MONROVIA, Liberia (AP) — Authorities in Liberia say there have been dozens of new Ebola cases erupting along the border with Sierra Leone.

The announcement by Assistant Health Minister Tolbert Nyenswah on Monday marks a setback for Liberia, which has seen the number of cases stabilize somewhat after having been the hardest hit country in West Africa.

Nyenswah blamed the flare-up on a number of factors including people going in and out of the country and traditional practices such as the washing of bodies.

Nearly 3,400 people have died from Ebola in Liberia over the past year with nearly 8,000 cases, though health officials say the situation has improved especially in the capital, Monrovia.

Sierra Leone, by comparison, has now eclipsed Liberia with more than 9,000 cases, according to the World Health Organization.

• MONROVIA, Liberia