WHO is still concerned about rising cases

There are several virus  around the world causing concern, said a top World Health Organization official on CNN’s Global Town Hall earlier tonight.

The WHO is keeping a close eye on very large increases in case numbers in Russia, Africa, Americas,  countries in South Asia and  few countries in Europe, said Maria Van, technical leader for the WHO’s coronavirus response.                              

“These are areas that we are so much concerned about because, as we know,  when this virus has an opportunity to really take hold it can grow  very quickly,” Van Kerkhove said. “Any one of these could really take hold and take off  very quickly and we have seen how this virus affects vulnerable populations, and that’s a big concern of ours.”

 she hopes a vaccine could be available by the end of the year -- but that’s if everything goes right. Scientists are working seriousely  around the clock on more than 100 vaccine candidates, she said, but the accelerated schedule cannot compromise on safety or efficacy.