Not so.
Nancy Writebol wasn't in contact with patients, but caught Ebola from contamination on protective gear others had worn, for one well documented instance. The virus remains active for hours outside the human body in secretions, the ID50 dose is one to ten viral organisms, and any mucous membrane, inhalation of droplets, contact with the eyes, or any open wound can lead to infection. There is debate about transdermal infection, as motorcycle cab drivers in Liberia were coming down with Ebola, possibly by contact with sweaty passengers.
In short, we know what vectors definitely deliver a high viral load, but we are still sketchy on how little and what low load vectors effectively transmit the virus, mainly because most of those who were in low contact situations in Africa were also in high load contact situations as well.
It took Kimberly Bergalis being infected with AIDS with a dentist's drill before anyone believed that anything but IV drug use or sexual contact would spread that disease.
With the CDC downplaying the danger and doctors in Africa describing the disease as "highly contagious", who are you going to believe?
Definition of Stupidity: Doctors and PR flacks standing up and briefing on confirmed US Ebola patient but standing behind HIPAA to not divulge any information about the patient’s condition or identity.
HIPAA mission statement: to protect “Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information”
First, every detail of the illness status and individual description (including sex, race, height, weight) short of inclusion of the patient’s name is not “individually identifiable”.
But beyond that folly… buried deeper within HIPAA is language supporting disclosure of information when it has “public benefit and supports national interests”. Helping to contain a national outbreak of Ebola certainly meets that definition.
Hiding behind HIPAA leaves us in a situation where we are depending on the patient (maybe near death or at some point already deceased) to have detailed dialog with CDC “professionals” (Fed Employees with questionable abilities and preparation) to nail down every person who the EBolaed shook hands with and where this sick person sneezed or coughed up a loogie and left behind.
Woudn’t it help to have the public involved in this effort? (a la surviving Boston bombing suspect or countless other examples where the public helps solve the crime). The cab driver, or sales clerk, or guy standing outside for a smoke would help complete the entire picture of those potentially exposed.
As soon as Ebola is confirmed, the name and details of what is known about the person should be out in copious detail. Those with potential exposure can then seek further screening, and limit their contact with others until latent period is over. Isn’t that public health 101?
Feds solely in charge of containing contagious disease? Pandemic almost guaranteed. But it will happen with the proper level of PC and HIPAA compliance.