I don't get it. Why are you scared? Of what? - Stephen Mack

It's possible to be scared of something without it being a direct threat to you or your community. The idea that Ebola could devastate millions of people in West Africa so quickly is pretty frightening. - Johnny

I'm pretty sure that ebola in the US won't spread at the same rate as in West Africa, but it was disturbing to see how quickly the whole "We're the US - we got this 100% covered" argument fell apart. - Brian Johns

On the other hand, what could possibly go wrong? We spend more money on healthcare than any other nation and that's led to a system with full coverage and perfect outcomes for all, regardless of social, racial, educational, or economic status. Right? Right??? On second thought, maybe we are boned. - Brian Johns

There is certainly a "over there" mentally going on in countries like the US and Australia. When the situation is looked at on a global scale, it's definitely a thing. Africa, Europe and Asia are all land linked. It's easy to sit here on my island and go "at least they'll catch them arriving by plane" but considering the incubation period is up to 21 days, an infected carrier could spread it to other parts of the African continent or Europe/Asia without stepping in an airport. - Johnny

I'm scared of it now, because of the sheer idiocy of the hospital in TX. They exposed us to so much danger, they broke the seal of "American Health care will prevent Africa-like outbreaks". I'm stunned that the hospital *ignored* protocol for days (they didn't wear head protection, no goggles, no full facial protection!!!). And then the CDC, assuming they followed protocol, said the nurse could travel. Ignorance, hubris, fear, and lying will let this disease -- which should have been contained in TX -- explode on us. - RudĩϐЯaЯïan

What's scary to me is not knowing if or how many people are moving about the US unknowingly contagious. There are few places in the USA untouched by global travel, so I figured it was only a matter of time before we saw it here. - Starmama

^this. - Tamara J. B.

And going off what Rudi said, the protocol breach may not be that dangerous for Ebola but if something as serious as Ebola gets that lack of seriousness applied to it, what's the strength of other protocols for less deadly but more contagious diseases. - Johnny

I just don't understand why a travel ban is not instituted. That could alleviate some of the problems. Also, the CDC just put out a warning to NYC that they should be on the alert for Ebola since they are a common port of entry for West Africans. - Mary Carmen

Here's one argument against the travel ban: http://blogs.cdc.gov/global... - Brian Johns

I'm not really convinced by that. I think the airport screenings are bullshit. Checking for a fever is not a guarantee and people may not show signs. If what the nurses' union is stating is true, then we are not doing everything we can to prevent more cases in the US. Either way, the gov't needs to get it's shit together. - Mary Carmen

Also, the house committee hearing today was redonk. - Mary Carmen