Scientists believe 'young boy playing near colony of infected bats' sparked the crisis

The two-year-old boy - described as the index case, or patient zero - became infected and was the first to die in his village in Meliandou, Guinea in December last year.

It is thought 'patient zero' was Emile Ouamouno, described as a playful toddler by his father Etienne.

Before his death, on December 6, 2013, Emile had been near a tree harbouring the free-tailed bats.

The toddler came down with a sky-high fever, began vomiting and passing black stools.

It took four days for the disease to claim Emile's life, and he passed away on December 6, 2013.

His sister Philomene fell ill on Christmas Day last year, and was dead before New Year.

Their mother followed, along with their grandmother, Etienne said earlier this year. The disease then spread to other members of the community before spreading to other parts of Guinea.

(dailymail.co.uk)