Poll... would you allow the Ebola patients into your country?
- Thread starter Peter Breuninger
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I would rather 2 people die than put at risk a Nation of 300 million people. Call me practical and risk adverse.
Steve Williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
There are a lot of physician members here, Bruce and I being but a few. We support this humanitarian act. I'm interested what other physicians here think.
Christian, would you feel the same if you were a doctor
or do we continue to call yourself practical (not the word I would have chosen )
Worse than this, imagine your own kids - and all doors are closed; lawsuits, anyone? Thankfully, the system doesn't work that way. The ethical issues are huge - how do you decide to abandon and condemn anyone to death, just because the risks can be high (though to me not higher than what we already have in our labs)
Steve Williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
This to me is a really naive statement. I remember when AIDS became epidemic here in this country and shook my head as I watched people refusing to shake hands or come in to the same room with the affected people. If we had stood still Christian and did what you suggest I wonder where we would be now
There are a lot of physician members here, Bruce and I being but a few. We support this humanitarian act. I'm interested what other physicians here think.
Christian, would you feel the same if you were a doctor
I don't know enough about ebola and it's ability to spread. Given the 90% mortality rate, I can't see why they couldn't of been treated oversea's ? It is not like some sort of complex surgery where specialists/equipment in the US would be necessary. It seems the only treatment is clotting drugs and IV hydration and let it run it's course. No reason that could not have been done oversea's.
Being humanitarian (as well intentioned) could be the end of humanity if we are not careful and stop the spread of deadly, incurable diseases. That's my view and I'm sticking with it.
Steve,
we are all entitled to our opinions. With that, I am stepping out of this thread. Cheers !
I do not support turning our backs on the two people who are returning, so don't misunderstand me. After all, they have sacrificed their time and skills to help those who would receive very little help otherwise.
What I don't understand is why they can't be properly treated in place without bringing them here. Where there is a killer virus, there is risk to someone, regardless of the carrier. History bears that out, so why bring that risk here?
What I don't understand is why they can't be properly treated in place without bringing them here. Where there is a killer virus, there is risk to someone, regardless of the carrier. History bears that out, so why bring that risk here?
Steve Williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
Christian, I respect your opinion.
Here are some facts re its transmission
Transmission
Ebola is introduced into the human population through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals. In Africa, infection has been documented through the handling of infected chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines found ill or dead or in the rainforest.
Ebola then spreads in the community through human-to-human transmission, with infection resulting from direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and indirect contact with environments contaminated with such fluids. Burial ceremonies in which mourners have direct contact with the body of the deceased person can also play a role in the transmission of Ebola. Men who have recovered from the disease can still transmit the virus through their semen for up to 7 weeks after recovery from illness.
Health-care workers have frequently been infected while treating patients with suspected or confirmed EVD. This has occurred through close contact with patients when infection control precautions are not strictly practiced.
Among workers in contact with monkeys or pigs infected with Reston ebolavirus, several infections have been documented in people who were clinically asymptomatic. Thus, RESTV appears less capable of causing disease in humans than other Ebola species.
However, the only available evidence available comes from healthy adult males. It would be premature to extrapolate the health effects of the virus to all population groups, such as immuno-compromised persons, persons with underlying medical conditions, pregnant women and children. More studies of RESTV are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn about the pathogenicity and virulence of this virus in humans.
No one has said lets turn our backs on these people what a stupid statement.
They need care they should get care and if the only good care is in the USA why are the sick Africians not on the plane with them.
Your Nauseating seems to be colour coded.
These are strong words but I think fair if help is needed it should be given if protection is needed it should be .
Steve Williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
I am going to bow out as well. I've been a physician since 1968, probably longer than most of you are old. It goes against everything I have been taught to abandon fellow Americans afflicted with a deadly disease. Yes Garth for me it is a nauseating thought but heck that's just me
It is not about abandoning anyone and as far as how it is spread no one knows for sure 100% one of the people who is sick was reported to have been wearing a bio suit. That is scary stuff I will bow out of this thread as well not my area any way.
I still like better save than sorry. I hope this all blows over and as many people who can get well do get well. I am not picking on you Steve I think the risk is to great.
Steve Williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
Steve Williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
Anyone remember the film Outbreak?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-5XYxXl92Y
This brings back memories only because the army was going to blow up the infected town for the sake of mankind. And of course we all know how it ended
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-5XYxXl92Y
This brings back memories only because the army was going to blow up the infected town for the sake of mankind. And of course we all know how it ended
I agree, and like you I made known my opinion. I think I have said enough, so I'm bowing out, too.
Depressing topic and depressing interactions guys. I suggest we close the thread. Anyone wants to object?
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