Public supports quarantine for Ebola health workers

Excerpted from “NBC/WSJ Poll: 71% Back Mandatory Quarantines for Ebola Health Workers,” NBC News. November 2, 2014 — More than seven in 10 Americans support mandatory quarantines for health professionals who have treated Ebola patients in West Africa, even if they have no symptoms, according to a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll. The survey shows that 71 percent of those surveyed say the health workers should be subject to a 21-day quarantine, while 24 percent disagree.

The question of mandatory quarantines exploded into the public debate after nurse Kaci Hickox battled with the governors of New Jersey and Maine over the mandated isolation, arguing that she has exhibited no symptoms and tested negative for the virus. Those who oppose the practice – including top health officials and White House administration officials – say that it is unnecessary and discourages health workers from fighting the Ebola outbreak at its source.

Support for the quarantines varies by political party, age and education level. Eighty-five percent of self-described Republicans say they think the quarantines should be enforced, versus 65 percent of Democrats and 60 percent of independents. Ninety-one percent of Tea Party backers also believe the quarantines are necessary.

Older Americans are also more likely to back mandatory isolation for the health workers. A third of those 18-34 years old oppose the requirements, compared with just one in 10 seniors. And those with lower levels of education are more likely to support quarantines (80 percent of those with a high school education or less are in favor) than those with college or post-graduate educations (63 percent are in favor.)

Commentary

CMDA Member and Chief of Infectious Diseases at Moffitt Cancer Center John N. Greene, MD: “The majority of people, including healthcare workers, favor the quarantine of those who care for patients infected with the Ebola virus, both at home and those returning from West Africa. This paradox exists despite the clear scientific evidence pointing to a lack of contagion of the asymptomatic but exposed person. The fear and hysteria created by the Ebola epidemic is unprecedented.

“Just to point out one of many examples: A teacher returning from Kenya (a country with no cases of Ebola) was asked to remain at home for 21 days and bring in a note from a doctor at the end of her home-bound detention stating she is non-contagious before returning to teach children. All this due to parents and faculty being fearful of contagion despite the impossibility of transmitting an endemic virus the teacher was never in contact with.

“The real question is why would rational people, especially those of the Christian faith, believe the unbelievable? I think it is fear, which clouds one’s judgment, and a lack of trust in authorities and experts who have led us astray and do not hold our Christian values. If we believe the Bible commands us to be a beacon of light for unbelievers, then we need to allow perfect love to cast away fear.

“Jesus and the apostle Paul did not fear death but instead entered into dangerous situations that ultimately claimed their lives. Why? They entrusted their lives to Him who judges righteously and did not count their lives as dear to themselves. Why can’t we have the same attitude and encourage those who risk their lives to care for those stricken with Ebola virus disease? Let’s not punish them for their service by placing an unwarranted burden on them and forcing them into quarantine to be shunned and avoided. Rather, let’s tell them, ‘Well done,’ and embrace them with a warm hug for their Christ-like service of those who can’t help themselves. What a testimony for Christ the world would see if we could lead this charge and go against the tide of unreasonableness and a lack of love.”

Resources

Ebola: ‘Beat the fire while it is far’ by Dr. David Stevens
Ebola and Medical Missionaries

Action

Participate in CMDA's End Ebola Project