Ebola survivor Dr. Craig Spencer speaks out

[Semolina]

I am so glad he spoke up about the ridiculous reactions of the governors of New York and New Jersey.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/26/nyregion/craig-spencer-new-york-ebola-doctor-speaks-out.html?action=click&contentCollection=Health&region=Footer&module=MoreInSection&pgtype=Blogs

[Gooselady, BSN, RN]

From Dr. Spencer's article in the New England Journal of Medicine:

Implementing restrictions that don't accord with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention4 also undermines and erodes confidence in our ability to respond cohesively to public health crises. At times of threat to our public health, we need one pragmatic response, not 50 viewpoints that shift with the proximity of the next election. Moreover, if the U.S. public policy response undermined efforts to send more volunteers to West Africa, and thus allowed the outbreak to continue longer than it might have, we would all be culpable.

If (or when) Ebola breaks out again, or some other terrifying contagious disease, I hope our leaders consider this statement right here. It's pretty clear the politicians who stuck their faces into this did so for the reasons noted (to be seen as presidential lol), and in doing so, they didn't exactly put citizens in direct danger, but they undermined the efforts of the authorities who are put in place TO take control and guide policy. The public needs to be aware, cautious and informed -- but not by old men exploiting our fear to demonstrate their 'effective decision-making skillz in case of disaster'. Granted, this is an important requirement for politicians, but can they please be less political about it? Talk about sticking your nose where it doesn't belong. Set an example for the public, make a big deal about how you've consulted with the CDC and the Pentagon and whoever and are SO decisively carrying out the standards. To have to remind grown persons 'this is not about YOU' doesn't jive well with my trust that you'll effectively deal with public threats.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

When Dr. Spencer was hospitalized, I remember reading comments from people saying they should destroy the bowling shoes he was wearing so the next person wouldn't get ebola from them. Seriously, no matter what information you give people, it seems like some people just prefer their own made up facts.

[FLAlleycat]

Are these states still requiring quarantine of asymptomatic HCWs? Haven't heard of anyone, except military, being quarantined, and I know visitors from W Africa as well as HCWs are still arriving at airports there. Maybe now that election is over, they got smart?

[OCNRN63, RN]

"Smart politician" is the best example of an oxymoron I could ever think of.