Summary: Sierra Leone has discharged it last known Ebola patient, bringing this Ebola epidemic almost to its end. We should learn from this episode. Not just about the need for vigilance and well-funded defenses against plagues, but also what it reveals about America. About us.
In April 2009 I wrote Are Americans easily panicked cowards? I think not, but many experts disagree. How we’ve responded to Ebola during the last year suggests my optimism was wrong.
I recommend reading this first post after Ebola arrived in America: An epidemic afflicting America: fear about Ebola. Avoid the carriers. Facts are the antidote. It describes the first wave of hysteria that swept America, which grew worse as more cases were discovered. Our top medical experts were ignored as tens of millions listened instead to alarmists exploiting people’s fear for their own purposes (mostly political).
Remembering is the fist step to learning. We can do better. But only if we try.
Other posts about Ebola
- An epidemic afflicting America: fear about Ebola. Avoid the carriers. Facts are the antidote.
- What you need to know about Ebola. Debunking the myths.
- While Americans panic at shadows, Ebola strikes hard at Africa.
- Lessons from Ebola. Let’s hope we learn.
- DoD shows its strength, mobilizing to protect us from Ebola (a sad story about America).
- Good news about Ebola and its terrifying mortality rate.
- We awake from fears of an Ebola pandemic in America. Now let’s ask who’s responsible….
