US Military To Deploy 3,000 Servicemembers To Aid With Ebola Fight In Africa
It will be interesting to see who is going to get deployed to do this mission, but this shows the US government must be very concerned that the ebola outbreak could get much worse to deploy this many personnel to try and stop its spread:
Amid criticism that the U.S. has not done enough to block the spread of the Ebola virus across West Africa, President Barack Obama will announce a “significantly ramped up” campaign Tuesday that relies heavily on the U.S. military, senior administration officials said.
The Defense Department will work with local governments to plan and build 17 new Ebola treatment units, for a total of 1,700 new beds, while military medical staff will begin training a target of 500 health care providers per week in care and prevention of the lethal virus, an official said.
The scaled-up effort, along with current programs, will be run through a U.S. joint command center to be set up in Monrovia, Liberia, the country facing the most troubling transmission rate, officials said.
Pentagon officials expected the command center to eventually oversee about 3,000 military personnel on the ground handling logistics, engineering, distribution of supplies, and coordination with other government agencies and international organizations, one official said. [Stars & Stripes]
You can read more at the link.
3,000 potential victims…
Guess ebola is an enemy of the Constitution. Who knew.
Serving in the US military is getting to be a better and better deal all the time.
Obama cares
THOUGHTS ON THE MILITARY AND EBOLA
Ebola is a MUCH more serious potential problem than anybody has let on… and there is every indication that the “potential” problem is rapidly becoming an “actual” problem. Signs of this have been obvious for a long time… from the way agencies knowledgeable about disease have been conducting their private actions (as opposed to what they say in public) to the simple mathematics of (reported) cases which show a very clear exponential growth. This is starting to change, as there has recently become a muted level of urgency even on a public level that nobody but the most oblivious can miss.
While this has been an African problem, which has a never-ending stream of problems that lead to aid fatigue and global apathy, there is a very, very real potential of it becoming a global problem… for which the resources to manage simply don’t exists. If Ebola makes its way to developing megacities, from Calcutta to Mexico City, it will destroy global society and economy as we know it… advanced manufacturing, interdependent trade, broad product availability, easy travel, open boarders, many human rights, etc., and push the advance of civilization back a generation… maybe longer.
Even now, the politics of class and race have inhibited some solid steps that can contain the disease. Complaints that isolationism (such as cutting off flights and discouraging international travel of Africans from affected areas) is a “racist” policy is counter-productive to global health. Thin excuses that it somehow stops necessary goods and personnel from entering the country, especially with the easy availability of chartered transportation, is a shocking display of politics over sense.
Solving Africa’s unending problems, from perpetual hunger to perpetual tribal war with broken cultures that proudly refuse any fundamental acts of positive change, is not the business of the American military. Solving Africa’s problems with disease is not the business of the American military either…
,,,except there is a very real possibility for this to become a global problem far more widespread and having far more effect than any unfriendly military action or terrorist event. And there are few organizations in existence which can do anything about it.
…though, in reality, the chance of 3000 American military members doing much about it is also likely wishful thinking.
This problem will only be solved by increased personal responsibility through education of the local populations… which have a history of clinging to tradition and ignorance while rejecting the positive cultural traits that are obviously working for the developed world.
Since the African population is unable to help themselves and there is no political will to keep this isolated in Africa, it is likely prudent to have some kind of personal preparation in place to address the social and economic issues that will come about when it starts popping up in urban areas throughout the world…
…which is increasingly becoming a probability rather than a possibility.
Here comes another VA compensation category.
We couldn’t get educate the African continent – an entire continent – enough to use condoms to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS, what makes us thing sending 3,000 US military personnel is going to contain the ebola outbreak there? They’re too busy cutting each other up with machetes and carrying circumcising the labias of young girls.
^ Jimbob: A big problem with educating the African continent to use condoms has been the wonderful, caring folks in the Catholic church among many other religious groups.
Africans won’t wear condoms, and it has nothing to do with the Catholic church. They hate them, for a number of reasons. Primarily, the types that come in the clinics gratis are either average or snugger fit sized, and they act as a tourniquet and hurt like hell. So they have a bad association with condoms (larger ones are more expensive and when organizations donate them in the millions and billions it adds up, so they stick to average size).
I’m not kidding about this.
You’re welcome.
-Nurse Liz
@JackBSwift, yeah for the few who survive if they do get the disease. I wonder if military doctors are going to be used to help treat the sick? If so then some will probably end up getting the virus like some of the NGO doctors we have seen catch it.
@Chickenhead, I think if an outbreak happens in another country that is when the travel restrictions from Africa will be put in place because it gives the governments political cover to do so without offending the governments in Africa.
The state department has travel advisaries now for that area:
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/ebola-west-africa.html
Airlines will probably restrict their travel there if things get worse, if they haven’t already. They have a lot to lose, and most directly.
WORLD WAR E
One of the reasons for the American military doing some work on this is because it is excellent real-world CBRN training. There are likely some things to learn in terms of equipment usability and procedures in what may be the first “live fire” biological warfare exercise. A year on this mission will likely lead to more tangible improvements in readiness than a whole team of Good Idea Fairies can dream up in decades.
The slackers who are usually sitting around in half-job MOPP will suddenly get very serious about it… and the ones who don’t will be rewarded with a high fever and bleeding gums. It won’t be the end of the world as long as those who catch it are treated correctly and strictly quarantined for many months after being “cured”… as the virus has been found in seemen 91 days after onset and cases are confirmed of wives catching Ebola from their husbands who have recovered.
So…. the big question is WHERE the out-of-Africa outbreak will happen.
If there is one outbreak from a single carrier in a developed country where there are trained or quickly-trainable professionals who can respond technically and socially, as well as an educated, socialized, and self-sufficient population that can minimize exposure while the professionals track down those who are infected, it is manageable… at least technically. Like AIDS in the gay population, if Ebola strikes the American black population there will be open displays of suspicion and discrimination… which will be called racism.
If there are multiple outbreaks in developing country megacities where there are not enough professionals and a mostly-uneducated population, it will be a serious global problem.
And, if Ebola is used in a widespread terrorist attack, it will likely have a large social and economic impact even if it is quickly managed.
It might seem that educated, semi-educated, or educable populations of developed countries can take self-protective measures which would quickly minimize the spread. Most of Africa, clinging to tradition, superstition, and denial of education and modernization, will most likely be very hard hit by this.
Perhaps that is for the best… a little social Darwinism to smack these countries into the 21st century or let them fall by the wayside. The world might not be worse off with a big population drop on the low end of the human bell curve.
Maybe instead of drones dropping bombs, remote controlled crop dusters spraying Ringer’s solution and Ebola from Syria to Pakistan would solve more problems than it created.
Hmmm…
Blast off and nuke the site from orbit. It’s the only way to be sure.
One of the reasons for the American military doing some work on this is because it is excellent real-world CBRN training. There are likely some things to learn in terms of equipment usability and procedures in what may be the first “live fire” biological warfare exercise. A year on this mission will likely lead to more tangible improvements in readiness than a whole team of Good Idea Fairies can dream up in decades.
The slackers who are usually sitting around in half-job MOPP will suddenly get very serious about it… and the ones who don’t will be rewarded with a high fever and bleeding gums. It won’t be the end of the world as long as those who catch it are treated correctly and strictly quarantined for many months after being “cured”… as the virus has been found in seemeen 91 days after onset and cases are confirmed of wives catching Ebola from their husbands who have recovered.
So…. the big question is WHERE the out-of-Africa outbreak will happen.
If there is one outbreak from a single carrier in a developed country where there are trained or quickly-trainable professionals who can respond technically and socially, as well as an educated, socialized, and self-sufficient population that can minimize exposure while the professionals track down those who are infected, it is manageable… at least technically. Like AIDS in the gaay population, if Ebola strikes the American black population there will be open displays of suspicion and discrimination… which will be called racism.
If there are multiple outbreaks in developing country megacities where there are not enough professionals and a mostly-uneducated population, it will be a serious global problem.
And, if Ebola is used in a widespread terrorist attack, it will likely have a large social and economic impact even if it is quickly managed.
It might seem that educated, semi-educated, or educable populations of developed countries can take self-protective measures which would quickly minimize the spread. Most of Africa, clinging to tradition, superstition, and denial of education and modernization, will most likely be very hard hit by this.
Perhaps that is for the best… a little social Darwinism to smack these countries into the 21st century or let them fall by the wayside. The world might not be worse off with a big population drop on the low end of the human bell curve.
Maybe instead of drones dropping bombs, remote controlled crop dusters spraying Ringer’s solution and Ebola from Syria to Pakistan would solve more problems than it created.
Hmmm…
Cleaner than neutron bombs, eh?
LIMERICK
In their anti-exploitation pursuit,
the military’s rather astute.
Troops now deploy
where none dare enjoy
swapping fluids with a cheap prostitute.
Good. But don’t blame Koreans if you get Ebola. But I know the Americans will.
EBOLA IS NOW FARCE
“And in Guinea, seven bodies were found after a team of Guinean health workers trying to educate people about Ebola was abducted by villagers armed with rocks and knives, the prime minister said.”
Somehow, it is growing increasingly hard not to think many Africans SHOULD be left alone to get Ebola… as they are now starting to be a danger to civilized society. A better policy might be to isolate and eradicate.
One could predict that American servicemember are not only going to be threatened by disease… but also by the ignorant and savage primatives… making a difficult-to-hopeless job even more-so.
Perhaps the 3000 servicemembers could be put to better use in securing the ports and airports to insure none of the sick animals escape the zoo.
Much of the African population’s response to Ebola has entered the realm of farce… and will be treated as such.
Shiit just got REAL, biitches!
“Officials with the Centers for Disease Control have confirmed that a person in Dallas definitely has the Ebola virus.”
Open borders + no screening procedure + no quarantine + political correctness/tolerance/diversity = Ebola
In reality, Americans are not Africans and can (mostly) understand basic personal healthcare precautions… which seems to be the biggest factor in controlling its spread… so the chance of spreading in most places in America is not that high… though a densely-populated welfare project filled with third-word types might not be a self-containing environment… in, which case, Go Ebola!
So… this is not really such a big deal… probably… maybe.
Of slightly higher concern is that American hospitals really aren’t set up for large-scale isolation… nor are they set up for the volume of hazardous wastes produced by an Ebola patient. Word has it that Ebola-infected fluids from the 4 patients who were brought back from Africa were simply put into the sewer system… where it was assumed they would become harmless with no possibility of infecting other organisms and becoming endemic in America … though not everyone agrees with this theory.
But the REAL concern here… what was once a possibility but is now a probability and perhaps an inevitability… is that if someone with an Ebola infection can come from Africa to America where it can be identified, isolated, treated, and investigated… an Ebola-infected person can also go from Africa to Mumbai, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Djakarta, et. al., where there is a large population density and poor healthcare infrastructure.
After considering this from many angles, it seems developed countries can manage an Ebola pandemic while third-world and developing countries with high population densities might not do so well.
…so… maybe… while few will say it out loud… perhaps… this Ebola is not exactly a bad thing when considered with the betterment of mankind as the goal. Maybe it is time to clear out some of the human deadwood.
As a bonus, it will solve some of that Global Warming Climate Change Extreme Weather Carbon Emission Footprint problem so Gore can shut the hell up.
The official spin on the first Ebola case in American that American government agencies are giving in the very few communications they have issued is obviously bullshyt.
While they are likely working very hard to contain any possible American Ebola outbreak, they are working equally hard to contain public fear of an Ebola outbreak. This might be the right thing to do… or not… as fear of Ebola leads to vigilance and caution.
What is not being spoken of is that the patient went to the hospital with symptoms… and then left the hospital for a few days before returning by ambulance. The ambulance was used between that time and the workers are now under observation… as well as a MUCH larger number of people than has been officially stated.
America has the ability and resources to deal with this… at this scale.
Multiple Ebola carriers from Africa or an intentional terrorist incident could overwhelm America’s preparedness.
It is like a zombie/disease movie.
CH, please go ASAP!
Please go ASAP?
Aspirate Some Aerosol Paint?
Isn’t that your gig?
I think I will stick to beer in moderation. I don’t want to cut in on your action.
EBOLA UPDATE
Things are moving quickly.
…but before we get to that, I need to brag.
I was recently asked about my thoughts on Ebola by a high-level Korean government official. A specific issue concerned giving visas to citizens of countries involved in the Ebola outbreak.
I posed many questions but my fundamental answer involved the question, “Is there something they can contribute to Korea through a physical visit which is worth any risk of bringing Ebola to Korea?”
While I got nothing more committal than a thoughtful, “Hmmm, I see”… which is the typical response of all wise political players, my understanding of the issue and reasonable arguments for caution seemed to make a good impression.
Once the story broke of the first American Ebola case, brought in by a citizen of a country involved in the Ebola outbreak and pretty much matching exactly the concerns I voiced, I sent a text message linking an article and adding, “Concerning these visas, do you want to know in your heart that you did a little part to keep Korea safe from Ebola or do you want to be publicly known as the man who brought Ebola to Korea?”
I got a message this morning that the visas were denied… as there was no real benefit to Korea but there was an obvious risk.
I love how Korea can make rational decisions not based on false pleas to tolerance, diversity, racism, etc… and, instead, can look at a situation and honestly weigh the pros and cons with the interests of the country and its citizens as a first priority.
As a side note, one of my other points that someone knowingly exposed to Ebola but not yet showing symptoms may attempt to go to a developed country for free high-quality medical treatment made a big impression… especially as this may well be the case of the first Ebola carrier in America who knowingly exposed himself to Ebola several days before coming to America… and is now likely being treated at the expense of the taxpayer. The large healthcare mobilization caused by his presence is certainly being paid for by the taxpayer.
I can’t really say if my sales pitch was the deciding factor in Korea denying these visas… but I’d like to think it influenced the final decision. If Ebola starts popping up in more countries, but not in Korea, those of you living in Korea can buy me a hermetically sealed beer resting at the bottom of a bucket of iced bleach.
I really wish more people were mentally engaged on this issue rather than sports, superhero movies, and over-seexualization of marginally-seexy girls… as this really has the possibility of affecting global culture, society, economy, etc., more than any event in recent history.
In developed countries, the economic/social panic will likely be worse than the disease… but managing that and finding one’s place in it is part of what needs to be discussed.
There really needs to be an Ebola Open Thread to consolidate updates, information, and the sharing of ideas, strategies, and predictions of dealing with Ebola by expats if it should come to Korea.
Guess why Ebola won’t appear in Korea?
Guess why AIDS cases are so low in Korea?
Guess why Bird Flu, SARS, or any of those communicable diseases that were rampant in Asia didn’t happen in Korea?
Because Korea is not stupid like the stooges who preach and rant all the time how Korea is racist.
This once again proves Korea was right and it did the right thing.
Chickenhead, here is your ebola crisis Open Thread that I have setup. I have already placed a couple of articles in it to include another suspected case of ebola in Hawaii:
https://www.rokdrop.net/forums/topic/ebola-crisis-open-thread/
This problem just begs for UN guidance on the matter.
Perhaps an actor who performed a starring role in one of Harry Potter’s films would have some good ideas.
Perhaps a member of the cast for St Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries?
Or…maybe that guy who played Voldemort! As a professional baddy he should have some good ideas about the ISIS too.
Anyone here travel to Washington DC? Ebola patient had layover in Dulles airport.
http://www.myfoxdc.com/story/26681505/ebola-patient-in-us-flew-through-dulles-airport-on-united
Looks like the UNSC is taking ebola seriously…they even came up with a resolution. Number 2177.
“Regional organisations such as the AU, ECOWAS and the EU are urged to “mobilize immediately”, while member states, including those within the region, are called on to lift travel and border restrictions, and airlines and shipping companies are called on to maintain trade and transport links with the affected countries.”
Perfect! Now all we need is a few asymptomatic carriers.
http://www.whatsinblue.org/2014/09/security-council-meeting-and-resolution-on-ebola-crisis.php
EBOLA UPDATE
All updates will be on the Ebola Open Thread
https://www.rokdrop.net/forums/topic/ebola-crisis-open-thread/#post-53171
Has everyone forgotten in the early springtime when MERS was going to kill us all? MERS is airborne, therefore much more communicable than ebola. And wasn’t it SARS before that and AIDS going way back?
http://cdn.meme.li/instances/250×250/53206385.jpg
…except only a couple hundred died from MERS… and doctors in isolation suits weren’t catching it…
…so was it really more communicable?
Ebola is more efficiently deadly. Not even in the same ballpark.
Funny Palin link. 🙂
So… Is it true that no one wearing a reflective belt has come down with Ebola? Or is that just a rumor?
Nope. Fact. The Reflective Belt is the only known force in the universe to stop the Ebolians in their tracks.
Setnaffa, a more accurate conclusion is that most, if not all, of those who died from Ebola were not wearing their reflective belt at the time of their death.
My suggestion is to investigate this further by sleeping with tweaky Liberian prostitutes while wearing nothing but a reflective belt… a visualization that is not without a certain degree of comedic appeal.
Smokes has increasd the hours each day he wears his Brony cosplay and, so far, has shown no indications of an Ebbola infection… possibly because the rainbow glitter has reflective properties…
…though, after his last ladyboy encounter, he did experience a small amount of rectal bleeding… though it appears to be traumatic rather than viral.
I have been going with the policy of Not Accepting Africans At The Moment which has been working out for me… nine months Ebola-free and proud of it.
GI Korea, something is wrong with your headlines.
“The US military expects to increase the number of troops deployed to Liberia to fight the Ebola outbreak to nearly 4,000, up from a planned 3,000-strong force, the Pentagon said Friday.”
Those Friday press releases are always the most interesting.
Sound like the old, “We’re fighting them there, so we don’t have to fight them here” line.