The freak-out over the first case of Ebola diagnosed in the US is pretty interesting to me. It seems to be a bit over the top compared with other risks. So I looked up some factoids... 1) This Ebola outbreak is the largest in history and its not even close. To date, approximately 3000 people have died globally. Prior to this outbreak approximately 1500 people have had deaths attributed to Ebola since 1976. Ebola is remarkably hard to transmit with direct exchange of bodily fluids being required. It is not transmitted through respiration/droplets. 2). CDC estimates that each year that the flu (influenza) kills between 9000 and 49000 Americans. The flu isnt hard to transmit and is passed through respiration/droplets. 3). The guy who discovered Ebola...whats he most worried about? A flu pandemic. 4). The same number of people killed by Ebola globally died last year in the US due to gun violence -- In about 2-4 months. Or in automobile accidents...again, over 2 months. Just a little perspective....yes Ebola is a big deal. Yes, we should be trying to eradicate it. But while youre freaking out about it, do everyone a favor and go get a flu shot.
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 03:15:37 +0000
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