Nurse Tests Positive For Ebola

Nurse Tests Positive For Ebola

By: Jacob Haddad

In the article, "Nurse Tests Positive For Ebola", published by CNN News on Sunday October 12th, 2014, they explain that a nurse who was treating the man with Ebola from Liberia has caught the virus from him. Thomas Eric Duncan was brought from Liberia to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, Texas. The nurse who was treating him has caught the first-ever recorded transmission and second diagnosis of Ebola in the United States. The nurse was wearing her protective gear; a gown, gloves, mask, and shield during her visits with him. Despite all of this, she was tested positive for Ebola in a blood testing she had. The people say that during the protocol, there was a breach, which resulted in this infection. The Dallas Fire Department have decontaminated the public areas of the health worker's apartment complex. They have also proactively isolated anyone who has had "close contact" of the nurse. The mayor states that, "We have knocked on every door on that block." The commissioner of the Texas Department of Health Services, Dr. David Lakey also states that, "We knew a second case could be a reality, and we've been preparing for this possibility." He also states that, "We are broadening our team in Dallas and working with extreme diligence to prevent further spread." The main idea of this article is that Ebola has made its first transmission to this nurse, and this case is getting serious. Everyone must do the best they can to stop this possible spread of Ebola.

Analysis:

I was actually very surprised when I read this article. I was caught surprised by the fact that although the nurse was wearing her protective gear, she still had been tested a positive for Ebola. I also think that the U.S. government have learned their lesson and have taken a better action this time. They have done better at the protocols they took about this situation. Although, I think that the drug companies should take more action towards helping to create a cure and a solution for the Ebola virus. This article reminded me of the previous article about Ebola, "First case of Ebola outside of Africa is reported in Texas". It talks about the same topic, going further into the possible spread of Ebola. I feel that this possible spread of Ebola has become more serious that it was. This is also now a possible spread of the Ebola virus, and a medical threat to us. We should take this situation seriously and approach with good and helpful action towards the cure of Ebola. I agree to what they did to approach this situation by isolation, decontamination, and consideration. I also agree to what Dr. David Lakey said about preventing the spread of Ebola and controlling this situation.  

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think that the U.S. government and the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, Texas have approached this situation in a rather good way? 

2. Do you agree with the statements and protocols made by the people in that area?

3. What do you think the U.S. government should do next to stop the possible spread of Ebola?

http://www.dailyherald.com/storyimage/DA/20141001/news/