An Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa is keeping one humanitarian organization very busy.

Historically, Ebola can usually be contained to one country, however that is not the case this time around.

A spokesperson with Samaritan's Purse, who have been working in Liberia and West Africa for the past 10 years, say the virus has spread to seven countries.

They say it's never been in West Africa before so they are highly concerned.

Aaron Ashoff, Samaritan's Purse Incident Management team response leader says Ebola is a deadly virus.

Almost 180 cases have been reported in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Mali and at least 123 deaths.

Samaritan's Purse recently sent a team of Canadians to West Africa to assist with the relief efforts. They are partnering with the government of Liberia's Ministry of Health to contain the outbreak, by conducting public education and awareness campaigns in the area.

Samaritan's Purse will also be providing emergency medical supplies to a partner hospital and transporting medical response personnel and supplies to various parts of the country via airplane and helicopter.