I have heard many people expressing concerns over the Ebola virus and the possibilities of it reaching endemic status in the United States. I have held off on doing stories on Ebola--other than the appointment by Governor Perry of an Infectious Disease Task Force--for a number of reasons. Without writing a book on the subject, here is my rationale: There are plenty of infectious diseases around, and many of them are more easily spread and affect more people than Ebola. Influenza is one example. Tuberculosis is another. We are also hearing many concerns about the enterovirus that is attacking children. Pneumonia is another killer. Most of these will respond to antibiotics, and getting treatment is essential. What about Ebola? Its easily spread by patients who have developed symptoms and who have the associated discharges of bodily fluids. Until they get those symptoms, though, they are not contagious. You arent going to catch it on the street or in the public library or the grocery store or at school. Patients who have been diagnosed need to immediately be isolated. I listened to a press conference in Frisco, Texas, on the subject, and their emergency resources were well-prepared for a patient who was diagnosed as a potential Ebola case. (Frisco is in the general area of Dallas.) You almost have to be in close personal contact with an active Ebola patient to get it. Not many of us will have that kind of exposure. Is it a threat here? At the moment, no. If a lot of cases develop in North Texas, it could have the potential to spread to other areas. As I have previously noted, I am following this matter very closely. I will use my discretion in deciding what to say about it. If we are given a reason to believe it is coming our way, I will try to report the matter responsibly and accurately. Meanwhile, good hygiene practices and a healthy lifestyle should keep each of us safe and well.
Posted on: Thu, 09 Oct 2014 03:33:22 +0000
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