Is there not an Ebola in Dallas thread yet?

[Guest]

You posted:

 

 

And others chimed in to explain their viewpoint, which was isolating and restricting flights from affected areas wouldn't be good strategy and why. Part of that "why" was that Africa is a big continent with a relatively few areas/countries involved in the outbreak. No one was nit-picking. They were discussing. In detail.

 

I think most people on this forum have pretty decent reading comprehension.

 

Okay, but when I agree with that, why is there a continued argument?

[PinkyandtheBrains.]

It's funny because I spoke with a judge this morning, and when I brought up the ebola situation in Dallas, the first thing he said was: "Why are they allowing these flights out of Africa?" I almost laughed. It was understood he meant the areas affected, but those areas are in Africa, so it is not incorrect to say such a thing. The news refers to the outbreak in Africa because it is in Africa.

 

This argument on here is honestly ridiculous, and I will avoid feeding it.

 

One last time: I do think the countries IN AFRICA that are affected should have travel bans. I'm entitled to my opinion and others feel the same. Thanks for understanding... or not.

Judges aren't infectious disease specialists.

 

There are plenty of chicken littles all over the internet today.

 

Of course you are entitled to your opinion. Just as everyone else is entitled to refute claims made.

[Slartibartfast]

You leave out the parts where I repeatedly explain that I just meant the countries in Africa affected.  Of course.

After people said that it wouldn't work to quarantine the entire continent.

 

You did say,

 

Okay, so maybe that isn't going to happen, but what about the countries affected? Why was this person free to fly into here to visit family? Do you feel it is fine for U.S. citizens to be exposed because of this one person?

[Guest]

Judges aren't infectious disease specialists.

 

There are plenty of chicken littles all over the internet today.

 

Of course you are entitled to your opinion. Just as everyone else is entitled to refute claims made.

 

I never said he was.  

[Χά�ων]

It's funny because I spoke with a judge this morning, and when I brought up the ebola situation in Dallas, the first thing he said was:  "Why are they allowing flights out of Africa?"  I almost laughed.  It was understood he meant the areas affected, but those areas are in Africa, so it is not incorrect to say such a thing.  The news refers to the outbreak in Africa because it is in Africa.  

 

This argument on here is honestly ridiculous, and I will avoid feeding it. 

 

One last time:  I do think the countries IN AFRICA that are affected should have travel bans.  I'm entitled to my opinion and others feel the same.  Thanks for understanding... or not.

And yet

 

How have I done that?  I posted a link to the news article yesterday, and said I'm not surprised.  I then shared MY OPINION on how it should be handled to stop the spread.  People didn't like that and argued it, but it's my opinion! 

 

 

You leave out the parts where I repeatedly explain that I just meant the countries in Africa affected.  Of course.

 

 

Okay, but when I agree with that, why is there a continued argument?

[Guest]

After people said that it wouldn't work to quarantine the entire continent.

 

You did say,

 

 

Yes, because I realized my error.  I hastily responded and realized what I said.  So I corrected it.  I also felt (but didn't feel like explaining) that if travel is not restricted and it does spread over the whole of Africa, that the travel ban would have to be increased.

[Guest]

And yet

 

Because the question asked was legitimate.  

[Slartibartfast]

Yes, because I realized my error.  I hastily responded and realized what I said.  So I corrected it.  I also felt (but didn't feel like explaining) that if travel is not restricted and it does spread over the whole of Africa, that the travel ban would have to be increased.

I am just pointing out why people were discussing the size of Africa. You did complain about people discussing the size of Africa as if that was ridiculous when you did initially say we ought to quarantine it.

 

I wouldn't have brought it up in this thread if you hadn't complained about the posters.

[Aura]

Well... in many of our microbio experiments, restrooms are far cleaner than other places.  I'll take my chances with the restrooms.

 

The grocery store I work in cleans their restrooms every hour. I have no doubt that the restroom surfaces (counter, sink, etc...maybe not necessarily the actual toilet!) are cleaner than the checkout lanes. HOWEVER, no matter how often we clean them, there is such poor ventilation, that when someone goes, it STINKS.

 

If someone suddenly had stomach problems and rushed to the bathroom, then it's possible that the virus would be in the air in the restroom. Someone who gets sick with vomiting or diarrhea usually heads to the bathroom, and diarrhea and vomit can produce droplets that hang in the air, and there isn't the ventilation that would facilitate their removal. This is why I caution against restrooms.

 

I've noticed the ventilation is an issue in many public restrooms, not just my store, too. 

 

But again, the caution is if ebola shows up in your area.

[Guest]

I am just pointing out why people were discussing the size of Africa. You did complain about people discussing the size of Africa as if that was ridiculous when you did initially say we ought to quarantine it.

 

I wouldn't have brought it up in this thread if you hadn't complained about the posters.

 

Okay.  Now that we have hashed that out, can we move on?

[Aura]

Can we not get this thread locked because people can't let go of things? Can we please just forget the she said I said/I didn't say/yes you did stuff and focus on the topic?

[BrookValley.]

Okay, but when I agree with that, why is there a continued argument?

 

My guess is that a good deal of people are trying to explain why paranoia and hyperbolic reactions really aren't all that helpful or healthy, and the initial "quarantine all the Africa!" flavor to several posts was a good example of that. I don't think it's so much an argument as it is a "hey! Chill out! This is ridiculous (and this is why)."  

[BrookValley.]

Okay.  Now that we have hashed that out, can we move on?

 

Good idea! I wouldn't have posted my last post if I hadn't been posting at the same time as this (and several others).

 

Virtual beer? :cheers2:    (or pretend it's tea or coffee if beer isn't your thing)

[Lady Florida.]

I don't doubt that there will be more people.  This could get out of control.  

 

 

Because of the belief that it isn't going to get out of control.  Most people seem to have a casual attitude about this.

 

 

No one ever suggested going all chicken little.  

 

i believe the first two quotes explain why some of us feel you are going chicken little. So maybe you didn't actually say the sky is falling, but you are implying that it very well could fall and that you think it probably will. And when it does you won't be surprised.

 

You leave out the parts where I repeatedly explain that I just meant the countries in Africa affected.  Of course.

 

And even after you clarified you still used Africa (as a whole) in subsequent posts.

[Guest]

Good idea! I wouldn't have posted my last post if I hadn't been posting at the same time as this (and several others).

 

Virtual beer? :cheers2:    (or pretend it's tea or coffee if beer isn't your thing)

 

I don't drink any of those, LOL.  I'll have a Vanilla Coke, though!   :)

[Guest]

i believe the first two quotes explain why some of us feel you are going chicken little. So maybe you didn't actually say the sky is falling, but you are implying that it very well could fall and that you think it probably will. And when it does you won't be surprised.

 

 

And even after you clarified you still used Africa (as a whole) in subsequent posts.

 

It could, and already explained.

 

Either way, we are moving along.  

[aggieamy]

Okay.  Now that we have hashed that out, can we move on?

 

No we can't move on.  Not until all those people that hate beans in chili post a public apology for being wrong.  I WILL NEVER LET THIS GO!

[Slartibartfast]

Okay.  Now that we have hashed that out, can we move on?

Certainly, as long as you don't say I have reading comprehension issues.

[Truscifi]

On another note, do you think SWB rolls her eyes every time we post a kilt photo? :)

 

Perhaps she enjoys a good kilt photo too. There have been some good ones indeed over the years here. I had actually just found a new one to share in the next thread that needed a lighter note when the no public domain photo thing became a thing. Now it sits forlornly in my downloads folder, sadly unappreciated. :crying:

[Χά�ων]

No we can't move on.  Not until all those people that hate beans in chili post a public apology for being wrong.  I WILL NEVER LET THIS GO!

Aren't we special

[Jean in Newcastle]

Perhaps she enjoys a good kilt photo too. There have been some good ones indeed over the years here. I had actually just found a new one to share in the next thread that needed a lighter note when the no public domain photo thing became a thing. Now it sits forlornly in my downloads folder, sadly unappreciated. :crying:

Quick - go find that person, make him put on his kilt and take a picture of your own.  And then come and post it here.  We'll be waiting.   :toetap05:

[Unicorn.]

't 

I think a thread about what is wrong (or right if you live there or are from there) with Texas is in order.

 

There is nothing wrong w/ TX woman!  (okay, except it's hot and we don't have 4 seasons, but other than that...)

[Slartibartfast]

't 

 

There is nothing wrong w/ TX woman!  (okay, except it's hot and we don't have 4 seasons, but other than that...)

There's a million things wrong with Texas.

 

[Slartibartfast]

Quick - go find that person, make him put on his kilt and take a picture of your own.  And then come and post it here.  We'll be waiting.   :toetap05:

I envision all these WTM posters suddenly turning into stalkers at those Highland Games festivals so they can get kilt photos to post. :lol:

[Unicorn.]

There's a million things wrong with Texas.

 

 

 

I believe you just posted proof of what is wrong w/ oklahoma.

 

Oh, you could be right... one million UT fans.

[Χά�ων]

't 

 

There is nothing wrong w/ TX woman!  (okay, except it's hot and we don't have 4 seasons, but other than that...)

Flying cockroaches the size of my hand.

I can continue but I am not sure there is any need.

[hornblower]

Love this tweet from Lisa Bonchek Adams

"@AdamsLisa 

My 1st thought when I hear person in hysterics abt Ebola in US: "have you even had all of your vaccines for preventable things?" #startthere

 

[Χά�ων]

 

Love this tweet from Lisa Bonchek Adams

 

"@AdamsLisa 

My 1st thought when I hear person in hysterics abt Ebola in US: "have you even had all of your vaccines for preventable things?" #startthere

 

+1

I am out of likes.

[Laura Corin]

No we can't move on.  Not until all those people that hate beans in chili post a public apology for being wrong.  I WILL NEVER LET THIS GO!

 

I offer up dinghies in an estuary (whence...).  Incidentally, my mother's childhood home.  Prizes for anyone who can pronounce 'Yealm'.

 

ETA: I checked the fierce terms of use - it's fine because I linked to the page not the individual photo.

 

L

[Unicorn.]

Flying cockroaches the size of my hand.

I can continue but I am not sure there is any need.

 

Okay, I'll give you that one.

 

But those aren't just in TX, so...

[TeacherZee]

I envision all these WTM posters suddenly turning into stalkers at those Highland Games festivals so they can get kilt photos to post. :lol:

*shifty eyes*

 

I may or may not have spent part of the afternoon looking through my folders for pictures from my uni balls for guys in kilts. Sadly I did not find any. Not even of the true Scotsman flight lieutenant ;)

[Matryoshka]

Well, in honor of our shared connection with Edinburgh, here's my kilt picture.  Of a True Scotsman, no less:

 

 

Craig in Kilt.jpg

 

It's the docent from the Thermos Museum.  Please don't tell me you missed the Thermos Museum!!  Yeah, you can't see the Wee Dagger here either.  Yeah, he too has had a wee dram.  Or 10...  But at least he didn't experiment with chili without beans.

 

 

ETA: Oh, I see he's actually keeled over.  Not sure why, since he's upright on my desktop, but it's not altogether surprising, given the aforementioned drams...

 

No, he hasn't keeled over, he's just off kilter.  ;)

 

Sorry, couldn't resist....

 

[Laura Corin]

Okay, I'll give you that one.

 

But those aren't just in TX, so...

 

First night I was in Taiwan - cockroach bombers circling in my bedroom.  Shiver.

 

L

[Χά�ων]

Okay, I'll give you that one.

 

But those aren't just in TX, so...

Texas also has the BBQ delusion. You all think you know BBQ.

[Firefly]

I had NO IDEA that people thought beans in chili were a bad thing.  The things I learn on here!

 

I know right??  I am shocked.  SHOCKED.   I have to say, this concerns me much more than this whole ebola thing.   :D

[DianeW88]

Thank you.  I understand.

 

He still had contact with medical staff who did not know he had ebola.  I know they mentioned monitoring the EMT's.  Hopefully, they are doing to same for the other medical staff.  How sad is that... that they were exposed doing their jobs.  

 

We're exposed to a million different illness every single day.  It's part of the job.  We do it willingly.  We are professionals, and we are here to help those in need and to heal them as best we can.  It is not sad. We love what we do.

[FaithManor]

Thank you.  I understand.

 

He still had contact with medical staff who did not know he had ebola.  I know they mentioned monitoring the EMT's.  Hopefully, they are doing to same for the other medical staff.  How sad is that... that they were exposed doing their jobs.  

 

??? Sad???

 

This is normal. My dd is a paramedic, she exposed every single day to things a lot more contagious than ebola, TB, Flu, Enterovirus, etc., and she does invasive procedures in the field on HIV positive and full blown AIDS patients all.the.time. That is the job she signed up for because she believes in what she is doing. If she and her co-workers were unwilling to do this, the American public would be in a SAD state for trauma care.

 

It is sad if anyone gets ebola. But every single day, healthcare workers in this nation are exposed to deadly pathogens. Every day. We don't normally get extra emotional about that, so I am a little confused.

 

As a mother of a medic, I have learned that it is really extra important to not be panicky and to remain level headed and focused on the science. Otherwise, I'd be a wreck. The laundry list of things she's been exposed to is extraordinary, and not to mention she's been shot at three times, twice by gangs who consider it a feather in their caps to kill a first responder, and once by a mental patient. Gotta say, the gun shot thing worries me a lot more than ebola. She has proper gear for ebola, and hazmat and biohazard certifications so she knows how to handle herself around pathogens. The gunshot thing? Gloves, masks, biohazard suits, antiseptics, bleach, etc. do not stop.

 

Panic and undo emotionalism won't help America if there is an outbreak which isn't likely.

[Seasider]

I don't look for it to get out of control here in the U.S., not likely anyway.

But I do look for pockets of ebola activity. How large those pockets are, how many people are affected, what officials do to prevent spread beyond those pockets, and how people in these areas react are things I'm wondering about. I don't think Dallas is going to be last place ebola hits in America. What they do here hopefully will help others learn and respond better when it happens again.

Understanding the risks of catching ebola, should it show up in your area, is very important, IMO. Downplaying it is dangerous. Hyping the risks is dangerous, too. At this point, I'm not unhappy with how the Dallas case has been handled with the media. We've been informed. Important questions have been asked. We've been given some answers and yet individual's privacy is still intact (the names haven't been splattered all over the media). SO FAR, so good. That could change quickly, though.

I'd like to continue to see more of this kind of reporting: this is where it's at, this is what we're doing to keep it from spreading.

I'd like to see less of the downplaying and more practical advice of what to do if it shows up in your area, kind of like what I listed in my earlier post. But I think many people think that might create some kind of hysteria or something. Warning people to avoid public restrooms and crowded areas if a contagious and deadly disease shows up in the area is not hysteria-producing. Warning people to be extra vigilant about washing hands and not touching their faces and keeping open wounds covered is not hysteria-producing.

Bad thing I've noticed:

Telling people that it is not spread through the air is just plain wrong, IMO. I cringe every time I read that. It's downplaying a risk, not correcting wrong assumptions or spreading accurate information. Not being airborne, and not being spread through the air are two different things. Understanding that droplets can spread the disease is important to preventing spread. How many minutes of air time or lines on the paper would it really take to explain this?

Good thing I've noticed:

Telling people that ebola isn't spread by people not showing symptoms. Someone has to have symptoms to spread the disease. The man in Dallas did not have symptoms until several days after flying, so the people that shared a plane with him do not need to worry about catching ebola.

Understanding that we're in uncharted territory and this is something new to many, many people should mean that we need to be very careful about trying to compare the numbers to things we've faced before and know how to handle. It also means that we should be very practical and repetitious about what to do if it shows up in your area, because we don't know where this disease could hit next and we don't know how bad it could get, but we do know that it's become more deadly and more widely spread than original projections. So, downplaying the risks of it coming to your area is not going to help save lives. Having a plan and knowing what to do could. Hysteria and panic are thwarted through information and planning, not through dismissal and denial.

I am glad to hear your call for balance. What we (every person anywhere) need is accurate information and concise instructions about general infection control practices (good for all bugs) and succinct "what to do IF" instructions.

 

I agree particularly that the general population really doesn't understand or make the proper distinction between "spread by droplets" and "airborne."

[texasmama]

Random facts in one spot:

 

I don't recall flying cockroaches the size of your hand in Texas.  We do have some nasty scorpions.  I caught the cat playing with one two nights ago.  It is deceased...and not from Ebola.

 

Beans in chili I can take or leave.  True chili does NOT have beans, but who can afford half a cow these days  from which to make chili so it is wise and prudent to stretch your cow with beans in chili.  Dude.  Use common sense.

 

Oklahoma has nothing except for the musical "Oklahoma".  Stop messing with Texas.  Game on.

 

Bats are friends, not food.

 

I love you all.  Except people who mess with Texas cuz that ain't cool.

 

ETA:  Most important factoid.  I know a man at my church who wears a kilt and has a patch over one eye.  I call him the pirate Scotsman.  His name is Patch.  Just TRY to find that in Oklahoma.   I rest my case.

[FaithManor]

And for the record, a few very important things. I put kidney and pinto beans in my chili and am unapologetic about it. The Spartans rule, the Wolverines not so much. The Lions will stink again this year. It's inevitable and really should be listed as a scientific law right up there with Newton's Laws of Motion since no counter-example has ever been found to negate the Theory of the Detroit Lions Stinkhood.

 

You may now hurl insults about my chili and football predictions. It's okay, I have my bullet proof big girl panties on! :D

[texasmama]

Texas also has the BBQ delusion. You all think you know BBQ.

Back off.

[Unicorn.]

Texas also has the BBQ delusion. You all think you know BBQ.

 

Oh No you didn't!   Them's fight'in words!!      KC  and St. Louis don't know BBQ.  TX is REAL BBQ

 

Random facts in one spot:

 

I don't recall flying cockroaches the size of your hand in Texas.  We do have some nasty scorpions.  I caught the cat playing with one two nights ago.  It is deceased...and not from Ebola.

 

Beans in chili I can take or leave.  True chili does NOT have beans, but who can afford half a cow these days  from which to make chili so it is wise and prudent to stretch your cow with beans in chili.  Dude.  Use common sense.

 

Oklahoma has nothing except for the musical "Oklahoma".  Stop messing with Texas.  Game on.

 

Bats are friends, not food.

 

I love you all.  Except people who mess with Texas cuz that ain't cool.

 

How do not remember giant flying roaches?  You must be from W. Texas where there's no trees to house those suckers!

[Guest]

We're exposed to a million different illness every single day.  It's part of the job.  We do it willingly.  We are professionals, and we are here to help those in need and to heal them as best we can.  It is not sad. We love what we do.

 

 

??? Sad???

 

This is normal. My dd is a paramedic, she exposed every single day to things a lot more contagious than ebola, TB, Flu, Enterovirus, etc., and she does invasive procedures in the field on HIV positive and full blown AIDS patients all.the.time. That is the job she signed up for because she believes in what she is doing. If she and her co-workers were unwilling to do this, the American public would be in a SAD state for trauma care.

 

It is sad if anyone gets ebola. But every single day, healthcare workers in this nation are exposed to deadly pathogens. Every day. We don't normally get extra emotional about that, so I am a little confused.

 

As a mother of a medic, I have learned that it is really extra important to not be panicky and to remain level headed and focused on the science. Otherwise, I'd be a wreck. The laundry list of things she's been exposed to is extraordinary, and not to mention she's been shot at three times, twice by gangs who consider it a feather in their caps to kill a first responder, and once by a mental patient. Gotta say, the gun shot thing worries me a lot more than ebola. She has proper gear for ebola, and hazmat and biohazard certifications so she knows how to handle herself around pathogens. The gunshot thing? Gloves, masks, biohazard suits, antiseptics, bleach, etc. do not stop.

 

Panic and undo emotionalism won't help America if there is an outbreak which isn't likely.

 

 

So now I'm wrong for having empathy for people who risk their lives for others?  WOW.  I can't win on here.  A certain group of people don't like me for whatever reason and nit-pick EVERY SINGLE THING I SAY even when I am correct or it is just a matter of opinion.  I give up.  Not responding to anymore negative posts directed toward me... there is just no point.

[Slartibartfast]

Random facts in one spot:

 

I don't recall flying cockroaches the size of your hand in Texas.  We do have some nasty scorpions.  I caught the cat playing with one two nights ago.  It is deceased...and not from Ebola.

 

Beans in chili I can take or leave.  True chili does NOT have beans, but who can afford half a cow these days  from which to make chili so it is wise and prudent to stretch your cow with beans in chili.  Dude.  Use common sense.

 

Oklahoma has nothing except for the musical "Oklahoma".  Stop messing with Texas.  Game on.

 

Bats are friends, not food.

 

I love you all.  Except people who mess with Texas cuz that ain't cool.

 

ETA:  Most important factoid.  I know a man at my church who wears a kilt and has a patch over one eye.  I call him the pirate Scotsman.  His name is Patch.  Just TRY to find that in Oklahoma.   I rest my case.

http://okscotfest.com/

 

I do not care for "meat soup" I put a lot of peppers and beans in my chili.

 

Messing with Texas is fun and cool.

 

Oklahoma has all the things.

[texasmama]

Oh No you didn't!   Them's fight'in words!!      KC  and St. Louis don't know BBQ.  TX is REAL BBQ

 

 

How do not remember giant flying roaches?  You must be from W. Texas where there's no trees to house those suckers!

To the first, THANK YOU.

 

To the second, I am from Ebola ground zero.  I remember a lot of things like cricket infestations in which the entire parking lot of my dorm at UNT was covered with crickets like something out of an Alfred Hitchcock movie, but I swear I do not recall flying roaches.  Maybe I am just lucky that way.  :D

[Χά�ων]

Back off.

Truth hurts

[JoJosMom]

nm

[MFG]

We're exposed to a million different illness every single day. It's part of the job. We do it willingly. We are professionals, and we are here to help those in need and to heal them as best we can. It is not sad. We love what we do.

That is why we must avoid hospital...THERE ARE SICK PEOPLE IN THERE!!!!

[texasmama]

http://okscotfest.com/

 

I do not care for "meat soup" I put a lot of peppers and beans in my chili.

 

Messing with Texas is fun and cool.

 

Oklahoma has all the things.

Delusional.

[Slartibartfast]

Oh No you didn't!   Them's fight'in words!!      KC  and St. Louis don't know BBQ.  TX is REAL BBQ

How can one love all God's creatures equally when one does not BBQ them all equally?

 

BBQ turkey is delicious. BBQ chicken is delicious. BBQ mutton is delicious.