Journey to the center of an epidemic

A Pulitzer winning science writer's saga of flying to the Ebola zones of Liberia
 
FOREIGN POLICY                                  Nov. 3, 014
By Laura Garrett

MONROVIA, Liberia — The journey to Liberia tests the mettle of any American wanting to help the nation in its Ebola crisis. The trek really begins with fears about how the Samaritan will be received once he or she returns from the epidemic, facing quarantines and stigma. And the first leg lands the traveler in a political and cultural climate in steamy West Africa marked by resilience in the face of genuine threat.

...many physicians, nurses, and students of medicine as well as public health employees, officials, and volunteers fear difficulties with their jobs, hospital affiliations, or, for example, having their studies interrupted if a leave of absence for Ebola service ends up extending upon return. And these fears and uncertainties are having consequences -- very real ones. In meetings just prior to my departure with top officials in Washington, I learned that would-be volunteers were cancelling plans to fight Ebola due to quarantine concerns and because insurance companies were cancelling medevac coverage.

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http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/11/03/journey_to_the_center_of_an_epidemic_liberia_ebola