However, despite the grim tally and uncertain outlook, Acting Chair of the Emergency Committee, Preben Aavitsland, says the committee agrees the outbreak is a health emergency in the DRC and in the region, but poses a very low risk to countries outside the region. Indeed, he warns of serious consequences for the DRC by declaring the outbreak a global emergency.
"We risk to see restrictions on travel and trade. We risk to see airlines stopping their flights to the area," said Aavitsland. "And, we also risk border closures or restrictive measures at border that could severely harm the economy in the Democratic Republic of Congo."
Aavitsland says the committee decided there was little to gain, but much to lose by declaring the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
