Ebola Paranoia

            Let me say right at the outset that, yes, Ebola is an extremely dangerous disease and is very contagious.

            Many of the world’s greatest pandemics originated in Africa, including the Black Death and AIDS. Ebola can be added to that list.  Naturally there is a great concern. The paranoia comes from the simple fact that people refuse to get the important information as to how the disease spreads.

            The politicians at every level who are supposed to lead the country, and the media which is supposed to responsibly inform the public, refuse to do their homework. They all give inaccurate information, demand a 21-day incubation period, and everyone gets afraid. This amounts to nothing more than fear mongering. Naturally since people would rather take this information from where it comes, and don’t do their own research. Therefore, you see irrational decisions being made and violence from fear.

            The people who best know about how this disease spreads are the health care workers. They know the disease is not contagious for up to 21 days. It is only when a high temperature occurs along with the release of bodily fluids, either through regurgitating or defecating, that it becomes contagious.

            Craig Spencer came back from West Africa and closely monitored his health. When the symptoms emerged, he went right to the hospital. The bowling alley where he stopped need not have been closed. Kaci Hickox refused to be quarantined for the same reason; she knew what to look for. And the judge agreed with her. So she went biking and walking. To date, Spencer is recovering nicely and Hickox has yet to show any symptoms.

            Calm and rationality are what are desperately needed in this situation. We are beyond the Middle Ages when today’s knowledge was not available. But Washington and the leaders around the world and the media prevent that from happening.