On September 30, the first Ebola case in the U.S. was diagnosed in a Dallas hospital, sparking fear among many people in the Dallas and North Texas region. A closer look at the facts of this incidence, however, reveals that this fear is unwarranted, if not ridiculous. Here are three reason why FWCD students have no reason to worry about Ebola:

1. There is only one confirmed case of Ebola. Only one person in the United States had been diagnosed with this virus, Thomas Duncan, and he is currently isolated at Texas Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. Although Duncan came into contact with several people before being admitted into the hospital, experts agree that it is very unlikely that they have the virus since none of them have shown any symptoms thus far.
2. Ebola can only be transmitted through direct contact with blood and bodily fluids, according to the Center for Disease Control. Unless someone has had direct contact with Duncan’s blood or bodily fluids, it is impossible for them to become infected by the virus.
3. There are no Ebola cases or contacts in Tarrant County. See the following statement from the City of Fort Worth.

Excerpt from a Fort Worth City Statement:

“We are closely monitoring the Ebola case in Dallas. There are no cases or known contacts in Tarrant County at this time,” said TCPH Health Director Vinny Taneja. “We feel confident that residents in our community are safe.”

While Ebola appears to be completely contained and under control in the U.S., it is worth noting noting that the best way to avoid any virus is to wash hands and avoid sharing food or water with anyone.