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Is the United States ready for the deadly Ebola virus?

  • October 12, 2014 11:04 PM EDT

    The passing of Eric Duncan, the first patient diagnosed with Ebola on U.S. soil, 10 days after he was admitted to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital. It is a stark reminder of Ebola's insidious nature. It is a tough disease to treat. It is even more complicated without an FDA-approved treatment, and just about 50% of patients diagnosed survive it.

    Duncan's case, and the undeniable misdiagnosis that preceded his eventual admission should serve as a catalyst for preparedness, but that raises a question: Is the United States ready for the deadly Ebola virus?

    As news broke early Sunday morning (10/12/2014) that a second person in Dallas had contracted Ebola; she is a healthcare worker (nurse) who had contact with Eric Duncan; People are wondering: How? Supposedly the exact answer is not yet known; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating, and a breach in protocol is suspected, CDC director Tom Frieden said at a press conference on Sunday. 


    This post was edited by Milton Bertrand at October 12, 2014 11:05 PM EDT