Dignity in Disease

Ebola has gotten a lot media recently as the United States has had its first cases of the disease. This disease is highly infectious, though not incredibly contagious. It has been incredibly deadly in West African nations where there is not the same level of sanitation and hygiene as in developed nations. Ebola cases are fatal almost 90% of the time. Thousands have died in the countries of Sierra Leon, Liberia, and Guinea. Developed nations are actually at very little risk of having an outbreak that has been seen in western Africa, yet this hasn’t stopped widespread panic in the United States.

Americans are not viewed favorably around the world and our reaction to Ebola has not helped our case. Most other countries see the United States response as what it is: ridiculous. Fear only serves to spread misinformation and panic. Recently, the panic caused by the Ebola scare has caused a Maine woman to be quarantined despite not having the disease. Actually, she tested negative for the disease twice. Still, Kaci Hickox was isolated and is now suing under the claim that her human rights were violated. Fear and misinformation places a major part in her argument because the only reason for her quarantine was her working in west Africa with Ebola patients, not based on the actual possibility of her passing the disease on.

The connection of Ebola outbreak to West Africa has caused an emergence of racism in the United States as well. In New York City, two African boys were bullied and beaten while “Ebola” was chanted at them. These 11 and 13-year-old boys were beaten by classmates because of their country of origin. Panic as a nation causes fear of outsiders and acts of violence even among children, while adults call for a banning all flights from affected areas. Children are learning the panic that adults and the media are perpetrating.

Ebola is a devastating disease which has ruined and ended the lives of many and continues to be a global health issue. This being said, today is Halloween. While it is common for people to try to come up with new, up to the moment, and frankly, controversial costumes, I urge people to avoid dressing up in a costume tonight that has anything to do with the Ebola outbreak. This includes Ebola hazard suits and the disturbing sexy Ebola costumes that have been seen online. People lives are at risk and it is not for us to make fun of or make light of and it just adds to the panicked atmosphere surrounding the disease in the United States.. Respect those who are dying or have died and do not go out in an Ebola related costume.