Global health experts predict sharp rise in Ebola deaths

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a new report Tuesday that estimated Ebola cases in Liberia and Sierra Leone could reach 1.4 million by January 20, 2015. While some experts said those numbers were “somewhat pessimistic,” The U.N.’s World Health Organization also released a sober study. The WHO said 20,000 people risked infection within the next six weeks and that 70% of those infected with Ebola in West Africa have died.

My gut feeling is, the actions we’re taking now are going to make that worst-case scenario not come to pass…but it’s important to understand that it could happen.

Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, C.D.C. director

Amid complaints from aid workers and regional leaders that the world was doing too little, U.S. President Barack Obama last week announced plans to send 3,000 troops to build 17 treatment centers and train thousands of healthcare workers. Much of the international medical assistance has been provided by French medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). However, the group says it is overwhelmed and has called for states to send their medics to the region. The response so far has been muted.

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