And for those that think this is all about spreading fear, I have two questions:
What is the magic number that fear is "acceptable" by them to commence--is it somewhere between the 50 million deaths due to the Black Plague or the 4 deaths in the USA from Ebola? What's their magic number?
And second, who holds the honor of telling anyone when to be afraid?
Actually, back in August I brainstormed the degree of personal concern I'd feel at each stage of this outbreak. (As opposed to a more general concern for the suffering of Africa.)
I felt cheerfully unconcerned about any danger from the people they were bringing back for treatment.
First stage of concern was going to be when someone came back from Africa, not knowing that they had been infected with it, and had to be diagnosed from scratch. That was Duncan.
Second stage of concern was going to be when someone who hadn't left this country caught it here. That was Nina Pham.
Third stage of concern: if it showed any signs of spreading beyond the initial realization that there's a problem. That was Nina Pham and Amber Vinson--by golly, I wasn't expecting us to let medical personnel catch it from a patient known to have it! But, it starts to look as though we've got our act back together. And also, the fact that Duncan's hosts didn't catch it was immensely reassuring, and surprising. So, I've cooled back to second stage of concern.
Fourth stage of concern: if anyone in this country gets it and they can't figure out the source of the infection.
Fifth stage of concern: if so many people catch it that figuring out the source of the infection is hopeless or pointless.
Sixth stage of concern, aka red alert: if the fourth or fifth stage is happening in my county, or if someone I know is under quarantine.
I expected the first and second stages to happen. I expected the third to happen, but maybe it won't, if we get serious about disease control. I really don't expect the fourth and fifth to happen.
Anyone else want to comment on their feelings?
