World Health Organization: Ebola 'Unquestionably the Most Severe Acute Public Health Emergency in Modern Times'

In a statement emailed to reporters on Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) deemed Ebola "unquestionably the most severe acute public health emergency in modern times," saying that most countries where Ebola has spread have failed "to put basic public health infrastructures in place."

Encouraging people and health officials to get informed about how to prevent Ebola, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan explained that 90% of economic losses during the outbreak of any disease comes from "the uncoordinated and irrational efforts of the public to avoid infection."

"We are seeing, right now, how this virus can disrupt economies and societies around the world," she said.