Obama Authorizes National Guard Call-Up to Fight Ebola in West Africa

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

That bunker is locked up solid.

Nothing gets in or out

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

As a nation we had a lot more experience with deadly contagious diseases in the past than we do now. Quarantine was the basic principle involved, and houses were posted, events called off, even school closures for contagious disease containment. Our duty as citizens was to not infect others.

It is more important to keep the disease out of the USA than it is to go there and get involved in it. The people who are doing a good job containing it in Africa are not letting infected people in, and quarantining those that slip by. We couldn't even do that much yet for ourselves. Our resources and attention should be focused on isolating ourselves from it. Like travel restrictions. Screw the commercial implications for not flying to Liberia. Or just letting them in wholesale. Christ almighty this is quarantine 101 here.

Health workers from Medicins sans frontieres have said that the international community needs to do more to help contain the infection.

Isolationism is and never was a good policy.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

If the international community does nothing to contain the outbreak locally, the virus will spread globally. It's really just that simple.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

If the international community does nothing to contain the outbreak locally, the virus will spread globally. It's really just that simple.

Well that's certainly true. If it spreads to major regional population centres that's a whole other problem. Not to mention that we're talking about countries that don't have particularly great health systems.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Well that's certainly true. If it spreads to major regional population centres that's a whole other problem. Not to mention that we're talking about countries that don't have particularly great health systems.

Hospitals in the US during the civil war were usually better equipped than rural hospitals in West Africa are today. People in this country have largely no idea what the situation on that continent is.

[decocker 7,198]

Hospitals in the US during the civil war were usually better equipped than rural hospitals in West Africa are today. People in this country have largely no idea what the situation on that continent is.

most people commenting on what the cdc and obama 'need to do' have no earthly idea what they're talking about. american's read a couple headlines and think they're masters of the topic at hand.

[GandD 5,966]

#truth

[Teddy B 17,251]

most people commenting on what the cdc and obama 'need to do' have no earthly idea what they're talking about. american's read a couple headlines and think they're masters of the topic at hand.

Add all of that "knowledge" to the reach of the internet and we have the mass hysteria we see happening right now.

[decocker 7,198]

Add all of that "knowledge" to the reach of the internet and we have the mass hysteria we see happening right now.

dont forget to add a dash of ...

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

most people commenting on what the cdc and obama 'need to do' have no earthly idea what they're talking about. american's read a couple headlines and think they're masters of the topic at hand.

I think it's clear evidence of how people are manipulated by the media. Ebola is a concern in West Africa - that's where the disease needs to be fought. Public health workers need to be aware of the risks outside of Ground Zero, but given that we've seen what... 2 or 3 cases in the USA?

Anyone reading the news would think we're on the cusp of a world-ending pandemic. All because the media has done what it always does - make people think that its the only thing worth talking about. Hence we have to read through the hysteria on here in thread after thread. Ridiculous.

[Teddy B 17,251]

I think it's clear evidence of how people are manipulated by the media. Ebola is a concern in West Africa - that's where the disease needs to be fought. Public health workers need to be aware of the risks outside of Ground Zero, but given that we've seen what... 2 or 3 cases in the USA?

Anyone reading the news would think we're on the cusp of a world-ending pandemic. All because the media has done what it always does - make people think that its the only thing worth talking about. Hence we have to read through the hysteria on here in thread after thread. Ridiculous.

Have there been any reported cases in Europe as of yet?

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

A guy died in Germany. There were four suspected cases in Spain, but they tested negative.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

A guy died in Germany. There were four suspected cases in Spain, but they tested negative.

The guy that died in Germany was a UN worker that was transported there for treatment. There were two other deaths in Spain - also people that have been transported there for treatment. There have been no infections outside of Madrid as far as I know. One nurse involved in the treatment of the two priests that have since passed was infected but is reported to be doing okay for now.

Edited October 17, 2014 by Mr. Big Dog

[Teddy B 17,251]

Thanks guys.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

So, for all of the hysterics, how many people in the US have died from Ebola?