Amid the worst outbreak of the Ebola virus in recorded history, and with the second infected American scheduled to arrive in Atlanta tomorrow, there have been concerns that the disease could spread in the United States.
Is the United States at risk for an outbreak of Ebola?
Amid the worst outbreak of the Ebola virus in recorded history, and with the second infected American scheduled to arrive in Atlanta tomorrow, there have been concerns that the disease could spread in the United States. However, despite the fear, there is very little risk of an outbreak resulting from bringing infected Americans home for treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is prepared with quarantine centers all over the United States, as seen in the map above. In short, don’t expect to see an Ebola patient in your ED anytime soon.
Source: CDC
1 Comment
The problem with this and all such plans is we do not publish what the general public is to do in the event of any such real outbreak. People do not realize the worst thing they could do is to show up at their local ED, thereby potentially exposing hundreds and decimating the medical delivery community (which is why wearing a mask if you are sick is MUCH more effective against the spread of many illnesses than forced vaccination against potential exposure). The over-all message in these scenarios should be to inform the public of where to go to receive assistance and practical information on how to prevent spread of the disease.