The case of Kaci Hickox, a nurse who returned to Maine this week after treating Ebola patients in West Africa, has brought into sharp relief the challenges of reconciling individual rights with public safety in the face of potential health threats. A chorus of infectious disease experts has spoken out against quarantines for returning health care workers, while officials in Maine and other states insist such measures are common-sense approaches to protecting their residents.
We’ve followed Hickox’s situation step by step this week, from her involuntary quarantine in New Jersey to her bike ride in Fort Kent this morning in defiance of Maine health officials. So far, this fact remains consistent through all of it: Hickox is not displaying symptoms of Ebola and preliminary tests indicate she’s not infected.
Report: LePage to back off quarantine if Kaci Hickox agrees to blood test
Nurse from Brewer aiding in Ebola relief worries quarantines will deter potential volunteers
Students wearing ‘Ebola nurse’ costumes in Portland stir controversy
Other top health news this week:
Judge dismisses most of lawsuit over since-repealed abortion clinic buffer zone
A federal judge on Monday declared most aspects of a lawsuit against the city of Portland moot, pointing out that the abortion clinic buffer zone being challenged in the lawsuit was repealed by the city months ago.
From our bloggers:
Diane Atwood, Catching Health
As She Lay Dying, the Choir Sang — A Lesson in Spiritual Care
It may be hard for some people to understand how there can be joy when you are mourning the loss of someone you love deeply.
Jackie Conn, Sooner or Lighter
Shed Pounds this Winter! Greet the Spring Slimmer!
I guarantee that you can lose weight even during the most challenging time of year, Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day.
Compiled by BDN Health Editor Jackie Farwell.