Posted on 10/02/2014 5:39:26 PM PDT by jazusamo
Thomas Eric Duncan case raises questions about U.S. preparedness to stem deadly virus
The first case of Ebola diagnosed within the U.S. is prompting calls for heavy travel restrictions between the U.S. and those West African countries hardest hit by the outbreak — and one advocate is even warning against the possibility of “Ebola tourism” by patients seeking better care here.
Thomas Eric Duncan, the first diagnosed case, remained in isolation in a Texas hospital Thursday after having traveled from Liberia last month, leaving health officials to try to track down up to 100 persons he may have come in contact with. Hawaii officials, meanwhile, had put a patient in isolation, fearing another Ebola case there, but by Thursday afternoon had dismissed those concerns.
Still, Mr. Duncan’s case has raised thorny questions about U.S. preparedness and the steps the country is prepared to take to try to stem the spread of the deadly virus.
For now, the administration is rejecting calls for a visa ban for West Africans. “I don’t believe that’s something we’re considering,” a State Department spokeswoman told reporters. Health officials have described the Texas case, in which Mr. Duncan exhibited symptoms but was released from a hospital for two days, as a fluke misstep.
Calls for a travel ban extend back to the summer, when the disease first started to spread in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. Rep. Alan Grayson, Florida Democrat, was one of the earliest to propose restrictions, calling for a 90-day ban on travel from Ebola-touched countries to the U.S.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Think if ten people like Duncan got here with Ebola and the huge number of people it would require to follow up on everyone.
The common sense answer to this nightmare is pull the visas from these Ebola countries but 0bama is not known for common sense.
“I think the idea that you can stop a virus at the airport or before it gets on an airplane is as much an antique as the notion that Ellis Island will screen out all disease among the immigrants,” she told reporters.
Someone apparently does not get it. They won't be screened at the airport if no travel is permitted.
Horse. Corral gate. It’s too late now @@@holes! Ebola has arrived! Good luck with that. The CDC clowns have stopped it “dead in its tracks”. LOL! Remember, a “C” average where you only need to be right 70% of the time will still get you a diploma and a job at the CDC.
Brilliant - wonder why the smartest man in the world didn’t think of it!
Exactly, and it doesn’t take a genius to figure it out.
Anyone from the US that wants to go to West Africa.. let em. Just don’t let em come back.
Amen.
I wondered on another thread if this dude from Liberia has health insurance. I stated I think we need to treat him, but, just knew that there will be a big hospital bill at the end of his hospitalization, and wonder who is going to pay it.
I was told that his bill likely will be written off.
Have we seriously gotten to the point where we expect some delivery driver from Liberia to make risk judgments on potential pandemics? Did the guy even know the incubation period? Heck, at least he was decent enough to help out the pregnant lady. Not being an Epidemiologist he likely figured that since he felt fine he was still OK and not infected - and it was a good time to “get out while the gettin’s good”.
I mean if this thing were to really “blow up” here in the states are we really gonna blame this guy because he lied on a form?
Reminds me of the instructions in boxing “protect yourself at all times”.
NBC news is reporting that one of their journalists tested positive for Ebola. Heading to the US for treatment.
Correct, and therein lies the problem. He may not have realized he was infected and the screening didn’t show he was but he still brought it here.
Travel has got to be restricted, it won’t stop it all together but it will certainly help.
I hear you, couldn’t believe it either. :-)
I’m sure that being able to use him as the first Ebola guinea pig will be worth more than his medical bill would be.
Only after the fact... Pathetic
I believe this is the definition of "Double Facepalm."
Double Facepalm Bump!
Should’ve been implemented months ago after the outbreak started spreading to Nigeria.
The limp wristed administration will invite all with Ebola over
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