Helen Briggs, Health Editor, BBC News online
Medical staff faced with Ebola in west Africa face a number of challenges. Infectious diseases such as malaria and typhoid fever may mimic the early symptoms of Ebola while protective gear is in short supply, and is hot and cumbersome in a tropical climate.
With severe shortages of doctors and nurses in some countries, many are working beyond their physical limits, says the WHO.
Past outbreaks have been brought under control fairly rapidly, once the virus was identified and protective measures put in place. The current outbreak - the largest ever - has overwhelmed struggling health systems in some of the world's poorest countries.
Meanwhile, doctors in London have begun treating a Briton who contracted Ebola in Sierra Leone.
William Pooley, a 29-year-old volunteer nurse, was flown home in a specially equipped military aircraft on Sunday and taken to Hampstead's Royal Free Hospital.
He volunteered to go to care for victims of the Ebola outbreak.
There is no cure for Ebola but with intensive care treatment and proper hydration, patients have a chance of survival.
The virus is spread between humans through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.
Meanwhile, doctors in London have begun treating a Briton who contracted Ebola in Sierra Leone.
William Pooley, a 29-year-old volunteer nurse, was flown home in a specially equipped military aircraft on Sunday and taken to Hampstead's Royal Free Hospital.
He volunteered to go to care for victims of the Ebola outbreak.
There is no cure for Ebola but with intensive care treatment and proper hydration, patients have a chance of survival.
The virus is spread between humans through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.
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