WHO: Ebola 'an international emergency'

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the spread of Ebola in West Africa an international health emergency. WHO officials said the possible consequences were "particularly serious" because of the virulence of the virus.

The announcement came after experts convened a two-day emergency meeting in Switzerland.
So far more than 930 people have died from Ebola in West Africa this year.

The United Nations health agency said the outbreak was an "extraordinary event". "A coordinated international response is deemed essential
to stop and reverse the international spread of Ebola," it said in a statement. The outbreak involves transmission in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

The WHO said there would be no general ban on
international travel or trade. However, states should be prepared to detect, investigate and manage Ebola cases, including at airports, it said.