Casual contact encouraged

It's almost like public officials in Dallas are trying to shame people into unnecessary contact during the current Ebola scare.

From NBC News:

He (Texas Health Commissioner Dr. David Lakey) said he was so confident that people who aren't showing signs of illness that he shook hands with one man who was being monitored. Local officials have complained that certain service providers, like tutors, have been reluctant to come into the neighborhood where (Ebola patient) Duncan was staying because of Ebola fears.

And, of course, those who may have been exposed are upset they're being discriminated against.

The CBS station in Dallas notes:

Dallas City Council member Jennifer Staubach Gates says that she met with over 30 community leaders on Monday, trying to assess the needs of the residents. Most are concerned about the possible stigma of living near the apartment building. 

“Unfortunately, they are feeling discriminated against,” said Gates. “We still have some that have been turned away from jobs. Some that have been turned away at retail locations. We’re getting them in touch with legal aid and any resources necessary.” 

Isolation and quarantine have been effective means of stopping epidemics since Bible times. Maybe earlier.  Depriving someone of a their livelihood may be a tougher call, but is every shopping trip really necessary?

Today, political correctness seeks to undo the common sense approach that's spared civilizations through the ages.

Are a few weeks of less frequent, more discerning contact really such a bad thing - especially since it has the potential to save lives?

It concerns me that public health officials continue to champion casual attitudes about potential exposures. If they understood Ebola as well as they claim to, there would be more effective treatments, or even a vaccination. But there's not.