HONG KONG, Sept. 19 -- Hong Kong's Department of Health appealed for continued vigilance against the Ebola virus due to the increasing number of cases in Africa, it said here on Friday.

According to the data from the World Health Organization, as of Sept. 14, a total of 5,357 cases, including 2,630 deaths, had been reported in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Senegal.

The Department of Health urged people to avoid unnecessary travel to the affected areas, adding it will monitor the situation.

Meanwhile, the city's Center for Health Protection said it has held briefings with government departments, private hospitals, and the hotel and guesthouse industry, on Ebola infection control and preparedness.

It will also hold health talks with community organizations, property management bodies and transport operators.

The center said it is liaising with the African community, District Councils, Healthy Cities projects at district level, non- governmental organizations and government bureaus and departments on the latest Ebola situation and is seeking their assistance in disseminating health information.