On a scale of 0-5, how concerned are you about Ebola?

[mackmama]

I am between 3-4. I wish more was being done to contain the current cases and to prevent additional cases from entering the USA. I think more stringent measures should be taken re quarantines and travel to/from affected countries.

[brittone2]

Somewhere b between 0 and 1. I am concerned, but mostly because I question (and have from the beginning) the readiness of smaller hospitals and their staff for something like this. I don't mean that I am concerned about it resulting in a substantial outbreak of any type, but just that that medical staff may be exposed due to lack of training and equipment. I think it is unfortunate that the Sheriff who wasn't feeling well opted for an urgent care type of clinic. No, he doesn't have ebola, but it seems like anyone potentially exposed (even though he was not in contact with Duncan) should be provided with a better plan or know not to head to something like urgent care. So in that respect, I am concerned, not about it becoming widespread by any means, but I feel for healthcare workers who are not totally accustomed to the necessary protocol. I'd put myself somewhere between 0 and 1. I just feel for the healthcare workers, hospitals, etc. that may be in over their heads, not properly equipped, or adequately trained yet (I know they are trained, but it takes a good bit of practice to make those protocols routine and error-free, and when people are stressed, sometimes mistakes are made).

[BabyBearsMom]

I'm a 1. I'm not concerned for myself but I'm heart broken for the people in west Africa who are dealing with it. Especially the stories about the orphans. I'm much more concerned about enterovirus and the flu

[Simon]

I voted 1. Unless it mutates into an airborne disease then its just not on my radar of real concern. There are many other illnesses that worry me, and Ebola just isn't one of them.

[TwinFoxes]

I'm a 0. I heard a piece on NPR the other day that said the fear of Ebola broke down pretty directly along party lines and opinion of president Obama. Democrats and those who approved of Obama were unconcerned. Republicans and those critical of Obama were afraid. This didn't surprise me for a number of reasons.

I'm a little surprised by this. My neighborhood is very purple, and like I said, no one has posted anything on our FB page about ebola.

[AngB]

I'm a little surprised by this. My neighborhood is very purple, and like I said, no one has posted anything on our FB page about ebola.

Not me. My area is pretty red and lots of people are pretty hysterical. I had one friend asking what to put in her ebola-emergency survival kit (and was serious!), and another friend the posted a captioned picture of Pres. Obama giving a speech in a hazmat/protective suit with the caption along the lines of 'There is no need to worry about ebola'. (And we are in Missouri, no scares, and not really a highly populated/touristy area like NYC.)

I am a 1. More concerned about the spread in Africa than here. I would not mind a temporary ban on travel from the most highly affected areas because I do think people may try to purposely come here knowingly infected/exposed for better treatment. Also concerned about all of our troops deployed/deploying to the area (I mean I think it's a good thing but the risks of them getting infected is concerning.)

[citymama]

On a global scale, I am concerned and sad. I feel for the parents of the 2 yr old Ebola patient who could not hold and console her. I feel horribly for all those in the caring and medical professions, putting themselves in harm's way for the good of others. On a domestic level? Probably a 2, given that I declined a work trip to S. Africa not wanting to deal with any Ebola hassle when returning to the US. It's not so much that I think there will be an outbreak in TX (I don't), as I don't think any country is prepared for the level of care needed to truly safeguard against an epidemic of something that contagious. In other words , the US can be super-careful for 5, 10, even 50 patients suspected of Ebola, but not 100s.

[mackmama]

the US can be super-careful for 5, 10, even 50 patients suspected of Ebola, but not 100s.

I just keep wondering what will happen during flu season. How could hundreds (thousands?) of people with the flu possibly be quarantined or isolated while tests are being run to determine if it's flu vs Ebola... and then how will they have the resources to do contact tracing if needed.

[hellokitty]

I'm a 1. It's on my radar and I am tracking updates. However. That's about it so far.

[lizzywednesday]

Not even on my radar, unless it's become airborne, which it hasn't.

Flu and enterovirus, on the other hand, have me a bit more concerned.