Over the last several weeks’ spread about every news source, social media website and dinner table discussion has been talk of one deadly disease: Ebola. There has been a vast variety of coverage on this topic and continuously the main thing talked about is fear. Citizens of the United States are scared for themselves, scared for the African countries, in which have had an abundance of cases, and scared about how this disease could affect the entire globe. The recent outbreak in West Africa is the worst the world has ever seen, since its discovery in 1976. Ebola is a disease that one can contract from close contact with blood, secretions, organs, or other body fluids. The incubation period is 2-21 days if one has been in contact with the virus.
Some of the students and faculty were interviewed about what they think about this worldwide issue and how the United States should approach it. Mr. Haveron, history teacher at Pascack Hills, who is considered a well-informed source, said the following. “I believe we have to be concerned about Ebola, but the fear of it is irrational. There is a greater chance of U.S. citizens dying from the flu this year than Ebola.” Over 15,000 people die annually from the regular flu, but only four cases of Ebola have been reported in the United States.
Besides Mr. Haveron, sophomore class president, Allie Campana, was interviewed as well. Campana remarked that, “If I were the president of the United States, Ebola would not be a problem. We, the people of the United States, are in no danger.” Friend of Allie, Mia Gheduzzi, was standing by as the interview occurred, she added that, “I think the whole issue is really stupid. We are in absolutely no danger as long as we help minimize the contact that Americans have with anyone coming in and out of the West African countries.” Finally, Ms. Yeam, history teacher, said, “I think people are overreacting about Ebola.”
Overall, Hills, as a whole, seemed to agree on one thing: Americans are in no immediate danger. As long as we keep vigilant on the reported cases and make sure that the African countries are treating the cases with the help of the CDC workers, the USA should be fine. PHHS reacted fairly well and did not seem to be plagued with fear. The interviewed faculty and students seemed like they wanted to stop the fear most people have of this disease and instead, treat it with a cautious eye. You heard it here first Hills, Ebola is not a threat as long as we continue to treat Ebola with care and eliminate the threat as quickly as possible.
