Now even President Obama admits Ebola epidemic 'spiralling out of control'

Obama said that the virus could threaten global security and has ordered 3,000 military personnel to the countries in crisis.

17:33 17 September 2014

US President Barack Obama has admitted that the Ebola epidemic, which has so far killed 2,461 people in West Africa, is “spiraling out of control” and that it could threaten global security.

America’s leader said: “Here's the hard truth. In West Africa, Ebola is now an epidemic, the likes that we have not seen before.”

“It's spiralling out of control, it's getting worse. It's spreading faster and exponentially.”

“If the outbreak is not stopped now, we could be looking at hundreds of thousands of people affected, with profound economic, political and security implications for all of us. It's a potential threat to global security if these countries break down.”

Yesterday, it was also reported that the United States will offer Liberia aid to build 17 new Ebola treatment centres that will result in roughly 1,700 beds. It will also send officials to help train up to 500 health care workers a week.

Dr Kent Brantly, who survived the disease, echoed the president’s sentiments. "We can't afford to wait months, or even weeks, to take action, to put people on the ground,” he said.