As of Tuesday, the land down under became the first developed nation to temporarily ban visas for citizens of Ebola-stricken nations. Visas for people from Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea have been cancelled as the West African nations struggle to keep the deadly virus in check.

Leaders in the Ebola-inflicted nations condemned Australia’s move to protect its own citizens. Many are concerned that denying visas will dissuade aid workers from going to the nations. “If [Western countries] create mass panic … this fear will eventually spread beyond ordinary people to health workers or people who transport the sick, and then what will happen?” Ugandan spokeswoman Ofwono Opondo asked. “Entire populations will be wiped out.”

While fear in Australia and other Western nations may not be widespread, it is certainly growing. At least 19 people are in isolation in Queensland after traveling to Africa to conduct humanitarian projects. Other Western nations such as the United States—which has confirmed cases of Ebola in its population—have begun quarantining all soldiers who are returning from conducting aid work in West Africa. Shutting borders is the next step.

Currently, around 30 Australians are working in West Africa in organizations such as the Red Cross. The government is still deciding whether or not to send aid workers, but says that it hasn’t ruled out taking more action. Signs of Australia’s growing fear and reluctance are showing. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the U.S. and United Kingdom asked Australia to deploy aid workers to West Africa three weeks ago. So far, the government has sent nobody.

Australia’s immediate concerns are ensuring that its borders remain tight. However, working against this strategy are its neighbors. Concerns of Ebola reaching Papua New Guinea or Indonesia are rising. These nations have far less rigorous or prepared health checks in place to deal with such a problem. Overcrowding and lack of basic sanitation make these nations particularly susceptible.

Just as America worries about illegals bringing diseases as they cross the border from Mexico, Australia may face the same scenario. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has promised to send aid to Australia’s neighbors should they need it. But when push comes to shove, Australia could just as easily do as it has with West Africa: close the borders.

Australia’s actions highlight a growing worry as eradication of the lethal disease proves a challenge. Continue to watch to see if more nations lock their borders rather than send aid to Africa. Also, watch for the frequency and intensity of pandemics to increase.

As nations begin to close their borders, isolating inflicted nations, those suffering may wonder who will help. To understand more about what’s ahead—including diseases and pandemics—and the exciting solution to these problems, read our free booklet The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.