Megann Horstead
Content Producer
With on-going efforts to safeguard the states from the recent outbreaks of Ebola over the past few months, North Central College’s D-Term trip for travel writing in Ghana is looking to take precautions.
The study abroad group will depart from Chicago for Ghana Nov. 29-Dec. 16.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Kimberly Sluis talked about the college’s on-going attempts to monitor the situation in the U.S., Ghana and in neighboring countries.
“Given that there are no cases of Ebola in Ghana (nor have there been), the most important precaution we have taken is to monitor the outbreak,” Sluis said. “As there are still no cases of Ebola in Ghana, there is currently no chance of contracting Ebola in Ghana.”
Since last September’s outbreak of Ebola in the states, a number of other cases have become known. The last case in the U.S. was confirmed on Oct. 24 until the patient had recovered and became discharged on Nov. 11, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In keeping tabs on Ebola’s activity, the CDC announced on Nov. 16 “a few Ebola cases have been reported in Bamako, Mali, and to inform travelers of actions they can take to reduce their risk of getting the disease.”
As a safeguard against contracting Ebola, CDC made a recommendation.
According to CDC, “travelers protect themselves by avoiding contact with the blood and body fluids of people who are sick, because of the possibility they may be sick with Ebola.”
In countering fears that some may have for the upcoming D-Term trip to Ghana, Sluis said communication and factual information are key.
“We have also been in regular contact with students and parents regarding the course and our travel plans,” Sluis said.
The media’s attention to outbreaks of Ebola has been spotty in the last few months. In turn, the media consumers’ reaction to Ebola in the news varies.
The nation’s fear of the Ebola outbreak has taken not only major media institutions by storm but social media platforms like Twitter too.
While some Twitter users are responding to fears of Ebola rationally, others may perceive the outbreak in ways that might seem more irrational.
Although for two different reasons, Sluis said they had two students cancel their enrollment in course. The study abroad trip will run as scheduled without any major changes to the itinerary.
