5:00 Dose of Ebolology: Closing the Borders is not the Answer

Closing the Borders is not the Answer

This is a question that will not go away.  It seems like such a simple solution, doesn't it?  Don't let anyone in, and we'll be safe.  This is not so simple, as it were.  

1.) If someone passes through enough countries, it will be very difficult to track their origins.  Stoppage of fever monitoring and contact tracing because "our borders are closed" would be irresponsible and ineffective.

2.) Mali reported its first case this week, and it is not clear if Cote d'Ivorie has active cases or not.  There would constantly be countries added and taken off the "block" list.

3.) What does one do with a U.S. citizen who wishes to come home?  There are major civil liberty issues at play here.

4.) MSF, USAID, and related aid groups desperately need help.  We should not make it harder for volunteers to come and go.

The key to preventing more cases in the US and Europe is stopping this epidemic in West Africa.  Let our workers come and go as they need.

Bonus post coming tonight, post Trick or Treating!