Jene Thomas – General Assignment Reporter
Ebola, the viral disease, has a fatality rate of 70% among humans. The disease has been centered in West Africa, particularly Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and just made its way over to Senegal, claiming the lives of nearly 1500 people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are now predicting around 2000 cases of Ebola.
In August, the United States received word that two Americans, one aid worker and one doctor, contracted the Ebola virus whilst helping infected civilians in West Africa. The two were flown to a medical research lab in Atlanta for treatment.
U.S. citizens had a lot to say regarding the transporting of Ebola infected patients to American soil.
On Aug. 1, 2014, Donald Trump tweeted, “The U.S. cannot allow EBOLA infected people back. People that go to far away places to help out are great-but must suffer the consequences!” That is one tweet, but not the only one. Responses followed immediately.
Fears stimulated from thoughts of the disease getting out of control and spreading to American civilians. Trump’s followers encouraged and agree with the rant, adding discussions of “border control” and speculations of an outbreak starting here as well. “The U.S. must immediately stop all flights from EBOLA infected countries,” Trump adds, in hopes of preventing further outbreaks.
One follower added, “Here comes the walking dead.” Twitter user @Mrs_VGomez tweets, “The government is bringing them back here so the outbreak can start here too!” in response to Trump.
The fear is expected, and to a degree, understandable. Unfortunately, the disease is spreading more than ever now, claiming more lives in Africa. The silver lining though lies with the Americans.
In treatment at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., the Americans infected with Ebola were treated with an experimental drug.
Trump may have his followers, but there are other Americans who counter his points. Some believe they the doctor and aid worker should be brought home. They deserve to be in a familiar and safe environment, but doctors here get the opportunity to learn about the disease without the hazardous conditions of working in Ebola infected territories.
Dr. Veronica Waweru, a biological anthropology professor at Southern, is amongst the group that favor the treatment in America. Though she believes “we have to protect the general population,” Waweru says medical staff needs to understand the virus in a low risk environment. Because the experimental drug worked twice on Americans, considerations of more drugs being brought over to Ebola infected Africans may be up for discussion.
“Why haven’t Americans given more experimental drugs?” Waweru asks. “Priority should be given to healthcare workers and they can take care of Ebola patients so their families don’t have to.” With the American doctor exposed to Ebola, a lot of medical staff left the premises out of fear in contracting the virus, leaving many of those infected in worse circumstances.
Those without doctors and physicians are only left to the devices of their loved ones, but resources are limited over there. Without proper care, many more may die.
Photo Credit: Cyprien Fabre
