So, we know that Ebola isn’t infectious until symptoms begin, but the first symptoms are fever, sore throat and muscle pain. (just like the flu)
This guy didn’t seek treatment until he was two days into that period. The doctors examined him, presumably diagnosed him with the flu, then sent him home.
Two days later, he was finally sick enough that the meds could (while factoring in travel) finally figure out that he had Ebola and admitted. Considering that the CDC had a team on route before the lab tests came back, his symptoms must’ve been definitive by that time.
Two days later, he’s critically ill.
I think that the danger with this outbreak is going to be those two days when a person is sick, but the symptoms haven’t clarified as Ebola. The worst part about that is a repeat of the scenario that this guy went through. Go to the ER or clinic, infect the other patients and staff, then go home and continue to infect your family.
But, what may help us is that the flu feels pretty horrible. Most people will call in sick and do their best to stay home. Nobody’s going to be running far if they feel that lousy.
After this mistake (with a person returning from the infected part of Africa, no less), there's a strong possibility that those showing up with symptoms are qoing to be put in quarantine until test results are back.
Are the ptb still playing the "reassure the public" game? The idea that it won't spread doesn't match with protected health care professionals now getting Ebola.