Toll of Ebola rises to 13

LIBREVILLE, Gabon -- An outbreak of the deadly Ebola disease in Gabon's remote jungles appeared to be spreading as the death toll rose Tuesday to 13.

Health authorities have identified 19 suspected cases, World Health Organization spokesman Gregory Hartl said in Geneva. That was three more than reported Monday.

Only two cases have been confirmed through laboratory tests, but medical officials say symptoms in the other 17 cases strongly suggest Ebola, one of the most deadly viral diseases known to mankind.

Health workers were also watching 155 people who have had contact with the victims, Hartl said.

Ogooue Ivindo is one of the most sparsely populated regions in Gabon. Ebola last struck there in 1996-97, killing 45 of the 60 people infected.

The first death in the latest outbreak was recorded Dec. 2.