Front page stories in many newspapers today reported the death of Thomas E. Duncan, the USA’s first Ebola virus victim.  Mr. Duncan lived in Liberia and had recently come to Texas to rekindle an old love interest.  Unfortunately for Mr. Duncan, he became infected with Ebola a few days before getting on the plane to fly to the USA.  The episode triggered panic in Texas and hysteria among fellow passengers on his United Airlines flights.  It also showed the USA health care system is not ready to deal with Ebola since the first time Mr. Duncan went to the hospital he was sent home, even after telling staff he was from Liberia, the center of the epidemic.  How can we stop, or at least slow down, infectious viruses from spreading around the world?

The answer is to change airline policies when a potential pandemic arises.  Continue reading How Can We Stop (or at Least Slow Down) Ebola and other Potential Pandemics from Spreading? →