Ebola ruled out after 11 die in Liberia

United Nations officials say at least 11 people have died from a mysterious illness in Liberia, and tests have been negative for the Ebola virus.

The World Health Organisation said Friday that authorities are looking into whether the people were sickened by something they ate or were exposed to a chemical or bacteria.

Five others remain hospitalised in Sinoe County, about 400km from the capital, after complaining of abdominal pains. Two are critically ill.

The cases over the past week have evoked painful memories in Liberia, where more than 4800 people died during the Ebola epidemic.

Those who fell sick this week all had attended a relative's funeral. Many Ebola victims contracted the disease when they came into contact with victims' corpses.