Ebola Crisis

Ebola Ethics In March 2014, Ebola first emerged as a major threat within West Africa. It has mortality rate of up to 90% and often infects different areas of the body simultaneously. This causes the liver and kidneys to become ineffective at disposing of waste. Once this happens, is the point the individual will begin to experience a loss of bodily fluids and internal / external bleeding. (Garrett, 2014) The incubation period is from two day to three weeks.

During this time, those who are infected will experience a number of symptoms such as: fever, urinary problems, vomiting, headaches, sore throat and a lack of coordination. Anyone who is nearby these individuals, are increasing the chances of becoming exposed through bodily fluids (i.e. seaman, saliva, urine, blood, breast milk and coming in contact with the substances which are spilled). The result is that the disease has quickly spread to different parts of the world and it is impacting healthcare workers who are assisting these patients.

(Garrett, 2014) To treat them, an untested serum is utilized called ZMapp. It was provided to two American and one Spanish nurse. The American patients were able to make a full recovery and resume their work. However, the Spanish nurse died of Ebola several weeks later. This is showing how the vaccine is providing mixed results. These areas are problematic, as they are challenging the need to prevent the epidemic from spreading.

Yet, at the same time, it is underscoring how the boundaries of ethics are being challenged from the scope and severity of the disease. (Chedekel, 2014) To fully understand what is happening requires analyzing the issue, evaluating the moral dimensions of public health options and justifying a specific response. Together, these elements will highlight the ethical challenges and how they are being addressed throughout the crisis. (Garrett, 2014) Analysis of the Ethical Issue The public health goals are to protect safety by preventing the disease from spreading to other regions.

The problem is that cultural practices and the lack of knowledge about identifying key warning signs among healthcare workers is compounding the problem. This enables someone who is infected to travel to different regions and potentially spread Ebola to those they come in close contact with. To make matters worse, the vaccines for treating the condition has never fully been tested. This means that the effects and possible side effects are unknown.

For healthcare professionals, these issues are creating challenges in following the highest ethical practices and the need to protect the public. In this case, the primary objectives are to contain the disease to certain areas and protect those who have the greatest chances of exposure. If some kind of action is not taken, there is a realistic possibility the disease could mutate and spread. Once this happens, is when the total number of cases could skyrocket (creating a pandemic).

This is when the global economy will become paralyzed from fears surrounding Ebola. The different stakeholders are arguing that the use of the ZMapp serum is important to vary degrees. Where they have contrasting views, is based upon their interpretation of ethics and how they are applied to this situation. For instance, many individuals who are against using an untested vaccine argue that drugs alone will not solve the problem.

Instead, a much different approach must be taken by educating the public, communicating with stakeholders and working together to prevent the spread of Ebola. The various laws and court cases are showing that the ethical use of vaccinations will depend upon the situation. The most relevant case precedent can be seen with Jacobson vs. Massachusetts. In this decision, the U.S. Supreme Court found that health officials can require the public to be vaccinated in order to prevent the spreading of disease to others.

(Ciolli, 2008) This effectively allowed the states to create their own vaccination laws which required most people to receive treatment in the event they are danger to public safety. However, There are certain exemptions for religions. These areas are directly challenging federal laws on testing the medication (prior to using it) and the American Medical Association's (AMA) Code of Ethics. In the case of laws, Kefauver - Harris Drug Act of 1962, it requires manufacturers to use medication which has been proven to be safe.

While the AMA, has stipulations demanding healthcare professionals to take into account the safety and best interests of the patients at all times. This is problematic, as the use of the ZMapp serum is challenging the use of safety guidelines vs. The need to protect the public. The result is that case precedent, different laws and the AMA's Code of Ethics are coming into conflict with each other.

("Food and Drug Law," 2014) (Ciolli, 2008) Evaluate the Ethical Dimensions of Public Health Options The situation involving Ebola; is showing how the utility approach is underscoring the end justifying the means. As officials, must take drastic action to prevent the disease from spreading. To do this, they will use an untested vaccine in order to enhance survival rates. In all cases, the patient will agree to take the serum even though it has been untested through a waiver.

This absolves them of any kind legal responsibilities based upon the severity of the situation. Justice is preventing the total number of deaths from rising. This means using all tools to help deal with the lingering causes and ensuring that the survival rates are improving. Respect for liberty is when each person has the opportunity to make a recovery and live more productive lives. This ensures that the person's life is protected and they can make positive contributions inside their various fields of endeavor from these experiences.

Respecting public institutions, requires understanding the scope of the threat and working with them to improve monitoring, communication and treatment. This entails following the proper procedures and protocols when dealing with Ebola patients. Provide Justification for the One Particular Public Health Action These policies are effective in preventing the spread of the disease. This is occurring through effective communication, coordination and using quarantines to protect communities. However, the proportionality of the response increased, based upon the total number of cases rising exponentially and more infected.