FREETOWN, Sierra
Leone (AP)- Sierra Leone's parliament has approved a law imposing
prison terms of up to two years for anyone caught hiding an Ebola
patient.
Lawmaker Ansumana Jaiah Kaikai said
the measure passed Friday was needed because some families had resisted
seeking medical treatment for sick relatives.
The
World Health Organization says Ebola has infected at least 910 people
in Sierra Leone, killing at least 392. A total of 2,615 infections and
1,427 deaths have been recorded across West Africa.
The
U.N. health agency said Friday the overall toll has been underestimated
because families hide patients, fearing high fatality rates and the
stigma that comes with a positive diagnosis.
Widespread mistrust of health workers has made it difficult to access some areas.
President Ernest Bai Koroma is expected to sign the new law.
