A panic foretold: Ebola in the United States. Issue 1 (1st January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Parmet, Wendy E.; Sinha, Michael S.
• Is Part Of: Critical public health. Volume 27:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 148
• Page End: 155
• Publication Date: 2017-01-01
• Subjects: Law -- politics -- public policy -- Ebola -- germ panics; Public health -- Periodicals; Medicine, Preventive -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Periodicals; 362.10941
• DOI: 10.1080/09581596.2016.1159285
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0958-1596

Abstract

Abstract: This paper reconsiders the Ebola response in the US as a panic that was both predictable and problematic. Public health professionals and policy-makers have historically drawn attention to and prepared for emerging infectious diseases by raising the specter of catastrophe, generating fears that the media and politicians are often willing to amplify. Although this approach can increase awareness of and funding for global health threats, it also sows the seeds of panic, stigmatizing people associated with the disease, and compromising an effective, evidence-based response. We offer lessons for public health leaders as they review the US Ebola response in order to prepare more responsibly for future disease scares such as that posed by the Zika virus.