Ebola in the USA
Graphic from punchng.com
It really isn’t a surprise to anyone that the Ebola virus has found its way to the United States. I am surprised however at how lax the security measures were that the first carriers here were able to breeze through with the illness undetected. Read about that here >> Ebola reaches U.S.: A tragedy of errors We can only hope that those loop holes have now been closed so no new carriers are introduced to the public in the USA and that other countries will have learned from those mistakes so they can prevent it from landing on their home soil.
As of this writing there are at least 4 reported cases in Texas, Virginia and Washington DC. 50 others are under close watch after being exposed to the first known case in Texas. See that story here >> About 50 under observation after Ebola diagnosis in Texas
There are those who believe the entire Ebola outbreak is a fraud and a hoax intended to assist unknown vectors in taking over Africa and lining some wealthy pockets. You can read their take on the matter here >> Final Nails in the Ebola Scams Coffin
If for any reason you think you may have been exposed it is recommended you quarantine yourself for a minimum of 21 days. If you should experience any of the symptoms of Ebola whether during your self imposed quarantine or without knowledge of exposure. Travel by private vehicle and not on public transportation to the nearest larger medical facility prepared to deal with the virus. If private transport is not available call for an ambulance and notify the operator that you have the symptoms prior to dispatch of the vehicle to your location so that they can come with the appropriate protection.
graphic from health24.com
See the symptom list from the CDC here >> Symptoms of Ebola
The best way of course to avoid becoming infected would be to completely quarantine yourself long term. But for the majority of the population this is not only undesirable but impractical. So using reasonable caution would be the next best way to avoid the virus.
Be cautious of coming into contact with bodily fluids. Wash your hands frequently. If there is an outbreak in your area take these precautions a step further. Avoid public transportation, eating in restaurants or from fast food places, and anyone who appears to be ill even if it appears they may only have a minor flu. Use hand sanitizers frequently and on any surface that could have been exposed to someone else’s fluids. Be prepared to hunker down in place for some time allowing the virus to run its course in your area. Definitely avoid contact with any bodies or property that could have come from an infected persons home should it become a full fledged out break in your location. But most importantly your chances of survival increase dramatically if you seek medical assistance the moment you feel you could have been exposed or experience any symptoms. But as you do so, insure that you protect those around you from your possible exposure.
For articles on surviving pandemics in general you can gather information from the following sources
Surviving a Pandemic: How to Live Through an Ebola Outbreak
Surviving A Pandemic Or Disease Outbreak
Best Methods for Surviving Pandemic Disasters…
Most importantly do not panic and don’t let fear taint your common sense or thought processes. Have a plan firmly in place before it comes to your area.
