Bonus Dose of Ebolology: The Perception of Controversy

The Perception of Controversy

If I hear one continuous theme throughout this outbreak from non-colleague friends, it is that they do not know what to believe.  Ebola is terrifying.  The CDC says not to worry.  The news talks about it constantly.  The President reminds us that only 2 people have contracted this disease on US soil...ever.  There are forced quarantines implemented by state governors.  Anthony Fauci says they're ridiculous.  When presented with conflicting information, it is human nature to play things safe.  Why risk the disease with the 90% mortality rate that kills you after your bleed from your eyeballs?  

The trouble is that there is virtually no scientific controversy here.  Those of us who underwent nearly a decade of training on the topic are feeling quite reasonably confident about directions, control measures, and risk assessment.  The volume of news coverage is not proportional to the risk posed.  Let me say that again for the folks in the cheap seats: constant discussion on CNN does not necessarily equate to constant and unrelenting risk of your own death by Ebola.  It just doesn't.

With regard to the actions of Chris Christie and Andrew Cuomo (and coming soon to the debate from Maine, our own Paul LePage)...they are not scientists.  They are pandering to the masses.  This does not mean that they have some special insight or knowledge.  It means that they are playing on public fears.  A frightened public rallies around its leader.  That is their expertise, and they utilize it very well.  Sidebar: do note that I am equally chiding a D and an R, here.  They are doing what they know how to do: rally the public and play on mood.  They are not scientists, and their actions should in no way be interpreted as evidence of anything other than their career choices.

This issue could not have been encapsulated better than in this interview with the Dr. Robert Dixon, UMaine-Fort Kent VP for Academic Affairs, who was answering why UMFK student Ted Wilbur, Kaci Hickox's boyfriend, would not be allowed on campus until November.  Pay close attention to what he says at 0:42.  "Even though the science is one aspect of this, we have to pay attention to the way people feel."  No, sir, you don't.  You have an opportunity to stand up and say, "I trust the experts, and am encouraging us as a community to calm down."  You blew it, Dr. Dixon.  You, of all people in all professions, chose to disregard academics and evidence, and bow to hysteria.  Well done.

No wonder everyone is confused.

Trust the people who do this for a profession.  Remember the motives of those in other professions.  There is no controversy here.  There is a mixed message, but not mixed evidence.  The evidence overwhelmingly indicates that we are all going to be okay.