The point I was making when I previously stated that we wouldn’t have to obsess over if and when an Ebola patient arrived here was more to the point of different cultures and different methods of “handling” such an outbreak in the U.S.
Considering the differences, a widespread outbreak is much less likely (note I never stated no chance) than what you have in third world countries and that is pretty easy to understand.
This simple fact of awareness and overall education make the comparisons significantly uneven, not to mention the obvious difference in culture and level of technology.
That being said, anything can happen, and there is still a distinct, yet hopefully small, chance that this strain could mutate into an airborne virus that retains the bulk of its potency concerning humans, and if that does ever come to pass, then all bets are off.
I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to discuss this current outbreak with many researchers here in Southern California, due to the nature of my profession, and I’ve been able to gather a lot of information that has kept me on an even keel concerning the situation.
I’m an Engineer who just so happens to have many customers in the area that include Universities and research institutes who have “intimate” knowledge on the subject, and I get the impression that their knowledge concerning Ebola and this outbreak, which is infinitely more in depth than I could possibly accumulate, is trustworthy and useful.
I hope you’re right. I’d describe myself as by no means panicked but definitely concerned. One thing, not all of the US is first world anymore. There are pockets in many cities that are straight out of the third world, crowded unsanitary conditions, ignorant people fearful of doctors and all. It can get a foothold. Recent immigrants primarily, imho.