As the number of deaths and cases of Ebola virus infection continues to rise in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday urged comprehensive inter-country response to tackle the deadly virus outbreak.

As of Monday, the total cumulative number of cases reported was 635, out of which 399 died in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. WHO noted there has been significant increase in the number of daily reported cases and deaths of Ebola as well as newly affected districts over the last three weeks.

WHO said the on-going Ebola outbreak become the largest in terms of the number of Ebola cases and deaths as well as geographical spread.

"This is no longer a country specific outbreak but a sub-regional crisis that requires firm action by Governments and partners. WHO is gravely concerned of the on-going cross-border transmission into neighboring countries as well as the potential for further international spread," WHO Regional Director for Africa Luis Sambo said in a statement.

He stressed the urgent need to intensify response efforts, promote cross-border collaboration and information sharing of suspected cases and mobilize all sectors of the community to ensure unhindered access to affected areas.

"This is the only way that the outbreak will be effectively addressed," he added.

So far, WHO has provided technical assistance through the deployment of multidisciplinary team of experts involved in a range of outbreak response activities such as surveillance, communication and social mobilization, infection control, logistics, as well as data management. Endi

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