By Sam Freisinger

Of the Gleaner

I don’t think that people around here should be concerned about being infected with Ebola. We are rather isolated from the major metropolitan areas of the United States and certainly more so from Western Africa.

According to the CNN website, the number of infected is about 14,000, and the population of Earth is well over 7 billion. The infected can only transmit the virus by means of bodily fluids. Even if Ebola spreads to the United States, the virus couldn’t spread fast enough to become a widespread issue here. Just the other day, Texas was deemed by health officials as Ebola-free.

Ebola is a potentially deadly virus, but we are not without defense. Wahlert nurse, Beth Broderick, has received many resources on how to deal with the virus. She states, “Nothing really concerns me about the virus at this point. All the people who have come in contact with it in the United States have all been healthcare workers that have been over in Africa taking care of the sick there.”

Perhaps it is the high mortality rate, an average of 70 percent, or the typical hype from media sources who want to keep people engaged and increase the viewing of their content.

Though it may be of little concern in our neck of the woods, it is of high concern for the people of Western Africa. Every ten people infected are projected to spread the virus to seventeen other people. The virus is not expected to slow down until it literally burns itself out there.

My friend, Stephen Cochran, ‘17 shares my opinion. “It is not so much that I’m concerned about my personal safety; it is more like a concern about others in danger if getting it.”

I believe that we should instead keep an eye out for the infected and endangered in Western Africa. Donate to the cause and remember to keep them in your prayers.