The World Health Organization (WHO) has convened a two-day emergency meeting starting Wednesday to determine if the current Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa constitutes an international public health emergency.

UN Associate Spokesperson Vannina Maestracci said the two-day emergency meeting, which is expected to be attended by members of the WHO's emergency committee, was convened as the WHO noticed the rapid rise of Ebola cases.

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From 31 July to 1 August, or in just a matter of two days, a total of 163 new Ebola cases were discovered in West Africa and 61 fatalities were recorded.

The WHO said that in four countries - Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Guinea and Liberia - a total of 1600 Ebola cases have been recorded with at least 890 deaths as of 1 August.

Due to the difficulty in controlling the spread of the virus, the WHO said it was necessary to convene and determine if the Ebola viral disease outbreak has become a public health emergency.

If during the meeting the committee will find enough evidence to declare the Ebola viral disease outbreak a public health emergency that concerns the international community, the committee will make the necessary recommendations to WHO Director General for the immediate declaration.

The committee will also recommend measures that will try to prevent the spread of Ebola virus to other countries outisde West Africa.

WHO Assistant Director General for Health Security, Dr. Keiji Fukuda, is expected to announce the result of the emergency meeting in a press conference on Friday.

While the meeting emergency meeting is convened, the WHO continues to urged partners around the world, including United Nations agencies, and other stakeholders for human and financial resources that can be mobilized to prevent the rapid spread of the virus.

TagsEbola Virus