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This is from the Doctor’s without Border’s website concerning returning MD’’s from Ebola stricken areas.

“Upon returning to the United States, each MSF[this is the French translation of Doctors without Borders] staff member goes through a thorough debriefing process, during which they are informed of our guidelines.

The guidelines include the following instructions:

1. Check temperature two times per day
2. Finish regular course of malaria prophylaxis (malaria symptoms can mimic Ebola symptoms)
3. Be aware of relevant symptoms, such as fever
4. Stay within four hours of a hospital with isolation facilities
5. Immediately contact the MSF-USA office if any relevant symptoms develop

These guidelines are consistent with those provided by the CDC to people returning from one of the Ebola-affected countries in West Africa. MSF is also implementing new federal guidelines outlining reporting requirements for people returning from Ebola affected countries.

Our colleague in New York followed the MSF protocols and guidelines since returning from West Africa. At the immediate detection of fever on the morning of October 23, 2014, he swiftly notified the MSF office in New York. He did not leave his apartment until paramedics transported him safely to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan, and he posed no public health threat prior to developing symptoms.

While MSF is not in a position to comment on his medical condition or the care he is receiving, the organization sincerely wishes for his swift and complete recovery.

Steps Doctors Without Borders takes to ensure the health and well being of its staff and the community at large:

If returned staff members do not live within four hours of appropriate medical facilities, MSF will ensure they are accommodated appropriately during the 21-day incubation period.

In the unlikely event that a staff person develops Ebola-like symptoms within the 21-day period, he/she is advised to immediately contact MSF and to refrain from traveling on public transportation. Local health authorities are immediately notified.

As long as a returned staff member does not experience any symptoms, normal life can proceed. Family, friends, and neighbors can be assured that a returned staff person who does not present symptoms is not contagious and does not put them at risk. Self-quarantine is neither warranted nor recommended when a person is not displaying Ebola-like symptoms.

However, returned staff members are discouraged from returning to work during the 21-day period. Field assignments are extremely challenging and people need to regain energy. In addition, people who return to work too quickly could catch a simple bacterial or viral infection (common cold, bronchitis, flu etc.) that may have symptoms similar to Ebola. This can create needless stress and anxiety for the person involved and his/her colleagues. For this reason, MSF continues to provide salaries to returned staff for the 21-day period.”

Taking a jog, being sweaty and then getting on the metro is fine to do. Bowling, being in touristic hot spots and having a restaurant meal are A OK, too. These are all within the realm of approved activities if you are feeling punky and crummy, but do not yet have the squirts and experiencing an elevated temperature of 103.