After weeks of threat the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed the threat of the Ebola virus in Dallas, Texas. The source of this concern spouts from Thomas Duncan, who was giving medical aid to an Ebola infected pregnant woman in Liberia. He came to the U.S. a week later on Sept. 19, and soon began to show symptoms of the virus. On Sept. 26 he sought medical attention of his own, traveling to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital where he was sent home with antibiotics. He returned two days later, still unwell, and was then isolated for possible Ebola. Dr. Tom Frieden, Director of the U.S. Center for Disease Control, later confirmed Duncan was positive for Ebola.

Anyone Duncan had contact with is currently quarantined to their homes, which adds to a total of almost 100 friends and family. These people have been delivered food, and have their temperature regularly checked twice daily. In addition, they must provide blood samples upon request.

Duncan’s partner and her family have been moved to a private home after they’re found to be living in the same residence as Duncan, which contained Duncan’s used towels and sheets.

Student reception to the situation seems mixed at the moment, but concern generally seems to be present. While Senior Rylie Barnes doesn’t know too much about the situation, she’s still concerned.

“It came into the United States, and there’s no cure right now. Eventually, it’s going to spread,” Barnes said.
Senior Joshua Battaglia is also concerned about the current predicament. On the subject of a possible breakthrough for a cure or vaccine, Battaglia said, “It’s not going to be long, especially now that it’s here.”

Despite the concern displayed by other students, Junior Samantha Schermerhorn seems to be completely unphased by the panic, saying that she’s not concerned about Ebola at all. “I don’t think it’s a big deal here,” Schermerhorn said.

Naturally, the growing concern amongst American citizens is completely understandable, but as long as necessary precautions are taken, you decrease your overall chances of contracting the virus.

In addition, proper hydration and medical care can greatly increase your chance of overcoming the virus.

Only time will be able to tell where this situation is going to lead or what will happen, but, at the moment, the situation will have to be taken one step at a time. Hopefully doctors will be able to come up with a vaccine or cure before the problem worsens.