Do not panic over Ebola

Ebola, THE viral disease that ravages the liver and kidneys and that has killed thousands in West Africa this year, ranks as the most severe public health emergency in modern times, according to the World Health Organization.

As the epidemic spreads, so, too has fear and panic. Here in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys, however, residents have little cause for alarm, public health officials assure us.

Dr. John Venglarcik, director of the Mahoning County Board of Health, believes the chances of its spread beyond isolated incidents such as that in Texas last week, are virtually zero. Primitive medical, cultural and sanitation standards in West Africa have allowed the disease to grow exponentially since it first surfaced in March. Contracting the virus also requires direct exposure to contaminated body fluids, especially blood.

Though there is no need for panic in our region or nation, there is much room for compassion and concern for victims and for American and other valiant health workers in the front lines of the battle to quell the epidemic as rapidly as possible.