The most recent Ebola outbreak exposed the U.K.'s inadequate ability to respond to an infectious disease epidemic, the country's Commons Science Committee said on Monday. While Ebola did not spread beyond West Africa, the world may not be so lucky next time. "A combination of hard work and chance prevented Ebola spreading further than it did but a future epidemic may be less containable and spread within the U.K. as well as overseas," said Nicola Blackwood, the committee's Conservative chair, as quoted by the Financial Times. "We must take the opportunity now to ensure that the U.K. is not caught unprepared when the next disease emergency strikes. Lives can be lost for every day of delay." Story