MANILA, Philippines – The World Health Organization says East Asia, with its trade and transport hubs and armies of migrant workers, remains at risk of the entry of Ebola but is beefing up its defences against the virus.
WHO’s regional director for the Western Pacific, Shin Young-soo, also said Friday that East Asia is more prepared than other regions to respond to Ebola because its past experience with SARS taught the importance of public education, strong surveillance and transparency.
He said countries in the region are developing an infrastructure to prepare for Ebola. The region so far remains free of the disease.
An outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, began in southern China in 2002 and infected about 8,000 people worldwide, killing nearly 800.
WATCH: Secretary of State John Kerry said Friday he is confident in the ability of the United States to contain the Ebola virus
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