Medical Chief Warns of Ebola Threat in Rhode Island
Kate Nagle, GoLocal Contributor
Medical Chief Warns of Ebola Threat in Rhode Island
"Of course it's possible that we could see a case or several cases here," said Fine. "It wouldn't shock me, but we are way better equipped to take care of cases than West Africa."
Fine, who spent time working in Liberia, said that he, along with others in the medical community, believe that the numbers of cases are being underreported from West Africa, for a number of reasons.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"I was there in the 2009," said Fine. "I'm aware of the conditions. The numbers that we're seeing are numbers we can hear about from people who can identify the illness and make a diagnosis. There are many of us who think those numbers are likely to be worse than we know about...five to ten times as many."
Perspective on Liberia
Fine added another component adding to the difficulties in Liberia. "They're emerging from thirteen years of war. The factional strife is still there just under the surface," said Fine. "Nobody trusts the government, the factions are such people don't know who to believe. Most people live on a $1 a day, don't have running water or electricity -- this is what they're dealing with in combating a disease that can be controlled, but needs a certain level of technology.
"I fear we are going to see many many many deaths. There's no good way to move information, everyone there isn't sitting at home watching TV," said Fine. "There might be one TV for every hundred people. Cell phones aren't a way to best communicate. Most people live in rural areas and live subsistence lifestyles. They don't trust the info they're getting from anyone, from the strife. To get people to hear what they need isn't easy. That's true of all West Africa."
Rhode Island "Prepared"
Fine noted that while summer is typically the big travel season for the Rhode Island Liberian community going back and forth, his concern was for the Liberian community here concerned about family and friends back home. "I'm focused on our Liberian community getting our support and understanding," said Fine. "I think about what they're thinking about -- hearing about martial law, a disease that can't be controlled."
"I think people here can donate supplies the community is asking for," said Fine. "They can reach to their Liberian neighbors and let them know they're there for them. When people have someone in the family with an illness, what do you do? You bring them a meal, let them help people."
Of the CDC doctors going to West Africa to combat the disease, Fine said," I think the people who are there are American heroes. It will be long, hard, sad. I hope it ends quickly and without lots of people being impacted, but my epidemiology brain is worried."
"In Rhode Island, we're wrapped around us here -- but we need to take care of this community," said Fine.
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