Experts call for WHO to reconsider global warning about Ebola epidemic

An international group of public health experts is calling on the WHO to convene its emergency committee and reconsider whether to declare the Ebola outbreak in DRC a "public health emergency of international concern," or a PHEIC. The emergency committee advised against declaring the outbreak a PHEIC in October, but the number of cases has climbed in the months since. Writing in the Lancet, the experts argue declaring a PHEIC would “galvanize high-level political, financial, and technical support.” But the experts also caution that some potential outcomes, such as trade or travel barriers in DRC, could have “devastating impacts.” They're also concerned that the declaration could create incentives for armed groups — which already pose a challenge in the response — to target Ebola workers.