West Africa is facing an unprecedented outbreak of the life-threatening Ebola virus disease (EVD).According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the outbreak is by far the largest ever in the nearly four-decade history of this disease. It is the largest in terms of numbers of cases and deaths, with some 1,323 cases and 729 deaths already reported from four countries.However, the most affected countries are Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone in western Africa.The current outbreak of the Ebola virus disease is reportedly the largest in terms of geographical areas already affected and others at immediate risk of further spread. It is occurring in areas with fluid population movements over porous borders. Cases are not only occurring in rural areas, which are difficult to access, but also in densely populated capital cities.The Ebola epidemic trend in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone remains precarious with ongoing community and health-facility transmissions of infection.A matter of grave concern is that the outbreak is affecting a large number of doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers, one of the most essential resources for containing an outbreak. To date, more than 60 healthcare workers have lost their lives in helping others.At a recent high-level meeting held in Conakry, Guinea, Dr Margaret Chan, the director-general of the WHO, called upon leaders of the EVD-affected countries around the world to raise awareness about the deadly disease. Evidence suggests that early detection of cases and early implementation of supportive therapy increases the chances of survival.Health experts say accurate mapping of the outbreak is urgently needed. All affected and at-risk countries need a national response plan that needs to be regionally co-ordinated.Facilities for isolation and supportive therapy need to be properly equipped and adequately staffed. Some facilities lack such essentials as electricity and a safe supply of running water.Public awareness of the facts about the disease needs to increase significantly.“This is not an airborne virus. Transmission requires close contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, also after death. Apart from this specific situation, the general public is not at high risk of infection by the Ebola virus,” Dr Chan stressed.Ebola virus disease is a severe, often fatal illness, with a case fatality rate of up to 90%. It is one of the world’s most virulent diseases. The infection is transmitted by direct contact with the blood, body fluids and tissues of infected animals or people. Severely ill patients require intensive supportive care.Sadly, the EVD outbreak is moving faster than the current efforts to contain it. The WHO says if the situation continues to deteriorate, the consequences can be catastrophic in terms of lost lives but also severe socioeconomic disruption and a high risk of spread to other countries.People frequently travel between countries and continents now, which makes it even more difficult to contain the spread of Ebola.Clearly, the situation in West Africa is of international concern and must receive urgent priority for decisive action at national and international levels. Experiences in Africa over nearly four decades emphasise one thing - when well-managed, an Ebola outbreak can be effectively stopped.