The United Nations is begging donors, organizations and countries fighting Ebola in West Africa not to become complacent – as the death toll from the virus climbs toward 10,000.

U.N. experts say the spread of the virus in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone has dropped to almost 10 per cent of what it was in September.

U.N. Special Envoy on Ebola David Nabarro says the fight has now reached a second phase and “getting to zero, it really is the hardest part.”

According to World Health Organization statistics Ebola has infected nearly 24,000 people – and killed more than 9,600,

Nabarro says eradicating the disease requires treating all those who are ill – and tracking every person they come into contact with.