WHO: Ebola Outbreak is a Public Health Emergency

LONDON — The World Health Organization on Friday declared the Ebola outbreak in West Africa to be an international public health emergency that requires an extraordinary response to stop its spread.

The WHO announced the Ebola outbreak — the largest and longest in history — is worrying enough to merit being declared an international health emergency. WHO declared similar emergencies for the swine flu pandemic in 2009 and for polio in May.

See also: 3 Basic Reasons You Shouldn't Freak Out About Ebola

The WHO chief, Dr. Margaret Chan, said the announcement is "a clear call for international solidarity" but acknowledged that many countries would probably not have any Ebola cases. Read more...

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