Ebola

[cmailliard]

The virus doesn't scare me. The panic of the lemmings does.

In third world countries, the people are used to with poor utilities, limited power, poor distribution, so most households are more prepared for long term emergency.

Can you imagine if the govt declares martial law, closes public schools here like in Liberia? Those groceries shelves will be empty and social order will be in breaking point within days.

I am with you. Fear of the unknown is driving people nuts. Ebola has been around for close to a half century. Yes, Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers are scary things but fear is not the answer to it. Respiratory Droplet Protection is required for VHF's but it is very difficult to spread via aerosol. Direct contact with body fluids and contact with used medical equipment (needle stick exposure) are the primary sources of transmission.

The biggest problem with Ebola is the large differential diagnosis associated with the the signs and symptoms. In the early stages it looks a lot like other diseases, including Malaria. Because Malaria is so rampant in Africa it is the default treatment. They just give those with signs and symptoms antibiotics and call it good. Well those antibiotics will not work with Ebola so the patient continues to get worse and continue live/work in close proximity to others in very unsanitary conditions. The disease spreads quickly because of initial misdiagnosis.

This Doc and Nurse are Americans, we have the capability to keep them extremely isolated and keep the community safe. We bring them home and take care of our own.