Ebola casts pall over Eid holiday in West Africa

CONAKRY, Guinea - The Ebola outbreak which has killed more than 3,400 people in West Africa is casting a pall over the region's celebrations of Eid, one of Islam's most important holidays.

In Guinea, where Muslims make up the majority, the usual fields and squares where people gather to pray on Eid al-Adha were empty on Saturday, as people heeded their government's warning to avoid large gatherings.

In Sierra Leone, which also has a sizable Muslim population, the United Council of Imams warned believers not to shake hands or embrace.

Guinea and Sierra Leone are among the hardest hit countries in the largest-ever Ebola outbreak. The disease is passed through contact with bodily fluids and health officials have encouraged people to avoid contact.