Warning: This Post Mentions Ebola

Clay Jenkins
Clay Jenkins

You cannot contract the Ebola virus from reading this blog post. You cannot contract it from Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, either, but that apparently hasn’t stopped some of his Park Cities neighbors from sharing their hysteria over Jenkins’ recent contact with family members of Ebola patient Thomas Duncan, who died Wednesday morning at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas.

As you’ve no doubt heard, Jenkins drove some of Duncan’s acquaintances in his personal SUV during their relocation away from the now infamous Vickery Meadow apartment that has since been decontaminated by men in hazmat suits. He was not wearing any kind of protective gear at the time.

Jenkins is an Armstrong Elementary School parent, which prompted enough inquiries to HPISD — none of them politically motivated, we assume — to lead the district to issue another memo this week to reassure the community.

So let’s recap what we know so far:

  • Clay Jenkins does not have Ebola.
  • Jenkins’ family does not have Ebola.
  • Jenkins’ SUV is not infected with Ebola.
  • Armstrong Elementary is not infected with Ebola.
  • You cannot contract Ebola by touching Jenkins, or any member of his family, or his SUV, or any part of Armstrong Elementary.
  • You do not need protective gear to enter Armstrong Elementary, or to interact with any of the students or staff members there.
  • Nobody who lives in the Park Cities is being monitored for Ebola.
  • You do not need to stock up on non-perishables or gas masks as if preparing for a disaster of apocalyptic proportions.
  • You may carry out your daily routine without fear of being exposed to Ebola, even if that routine consists of trips to Armstrong Elementary, or the Vickery Meadow neighborhood, or Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas.

Thus ends our public-service announcement. Hopefully that clears things up.

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29 thoughts on “Warning: This Post Mentions Ebola

  • October 8, 2014 at 10:01 am
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    Wow. That is a sarcastic, patronizing post. Every sensible person would follow CDC guidelines and take precautions. Did he really think he could walk into that apartment all la te da? With no thought to consequences? from CDC website: close contact is defined as

    being within approximately 3 feet (1 meter) of an EVD patient or within the patient’s room while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment (i.e., standard, droplet, and contact precautions; see Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations);

    if it’s really not an issue then why did DISD get all worked up about cleaning the schools?

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  • October 8, 2014 at 10:01 am
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    But can you contract Ebola by reading banned books?

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  • October 8, 2014 at 11:50 am
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    @Observer – yes you can, if the banned book was handled by someone showing signs of Ebola and you then picked it up or handled it. So, the answer to your attempt to being fun is yes and true in certain situations.

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  • October 8, 2014 at 12:29 pm
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    Agree with clearthinker. Jenkins is a grandstanding punk. Going into that apartment unprotected was a totally irresponsible stunt done solely to get his ugly face on tv again. I can’t wait to see him trip up on his own ambition some day. Also agree that this was a very condescending post from the newspaper. What you call hysteria is actually real concern that stems from the fact that Dallas County, which Jenkins leads, is totally unprepared to deal with the Ebola situation. They are flying by the seat of their pants and we will be very lucky if the virus does not spread.

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  • October 8, 2014 at 12:58 pm
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    How long will it be before the first lawsuit is filed in Duncan’s name against Presby for not correctly diagnosing his illness? I bet the lawyer line forms to the left.

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  • October 8, 2014 at 3:04 pm
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    I wonder how Judge Jenkins is feeling at this moment as I watch an ambulance carry a possible second ebola stricken patient to the hospital. Especially if the rumors are true that this is not a close relative of the recently deceased Mr. Duncan but a Dallas county sheriff’s deputy who went to Mr. Duncan’s apartment last week.

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  • October 8, 2014 at 3:05 pm
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    Agree with @HP75. Jenkins is a grand stander, and this was a condescending diatribe, Todd. Who walks into an apartment where Ebola has been when Jenkins own kids could be at any risk–no matter how minuscule that risk? Hysteria aside, perhaps we don’t trust our government enough (Jenkins included) to tell us the truth about anything anymore–especially when it comes to our health. Besides that, it appears their are some dissenters in the scientific community about the absolute transmission rules that are being touted above.

    http://www.freep.com/story/news/world/2014/10/08/experts-concerned-ebola-strain/16879009/

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  • October 8, 2014 at 3:14 pm
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    HP75…I have an idea…why don’t you and some of your community league friends get a life, and stop harassing neighbors. Go walk your little pups up and down your street, spy on the neighbors like you do, and then report back to that crime watch group in HP. Sounds like a real life.

    The only punks are those who blog under alias names like yourself. Were praying for you!

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  • October 8, 2014 at 4:20 pm
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    Mark: 4:15 PM.
    CNN’s Wilf Blitzer ask Jessie Jackson if the family is considering suing Presbyterian Hospital because TED was not properly diagnosed on that first visit. Jessie replied that “that is a private matter.”

    The non-American flies in to the US, gets untold millions if dollars of medical treatment (as opposed to the damp wash cloth he would have recieved in Africa) and now the sharks are ready to sue. Complete BS.

    Reply
  • October 8, 2014 at 4:24 pm
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    Yes, current suspected patient was a Dallas deputy that went into apartment WITH Clay Jenkins. Just heard that on AM 1080. You may think people are hysterical but maybe you don’t have any children?!?! If my dog, cat, house, car, and everything I own was at risk … I would not be as concerned (yes, I love my animals!). My kids? Different story!

    Reply
  • October 8, 2014 at 4:47 pm
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    Busted for over charging his clients, received fewer votes than Mickey Mouse and can’t get anyone to listen about the perils of mosquito larvae in water fountains. Sam Tamborello. Another grandstanding punk.

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  • October 8, 2014 at 5:28 pm
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    How much did Clay Jenkins pay you to write this article? You HAVE to be in his pocket somehow. What a condescending, insulting piece of pseudo-journalism. Go on the CDC website and read the info on Ebola. Yes, Jenkins has put his own family and every student and employee at Armstrong at risk. Yes, he did it as a political stunt. And yes, he is completely unconcerned about the problems he has caused. What a disgrace.

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  • October 8, 2014 at 8:32 pm
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    “Frisco officials say risk is low that sheriff’s deputy who visited Duncan’s apartment has Ebola” – DallasNews.com. No high fever, just upset stomach and fatigue. Went to clinic in “an abundance of caution.” Also, the deputy went into the apartment with the Dallas County health director, not County Judge Jenkins.

    I hope Presbyterian will test for Ebola promptly this time to replace speculation and unconfirmed reports with facts, whether good or bad.

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  • October 8, 2014 at 11:02 pm
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    Wow, what a rude blog post PCP.
    While you and Clay Jenkins are probably right, you are definately arrogant, condescending jerks.
    I don’t care a wit about his or your politics. And if either of you wants to take this stance, come into contact with the victims family, and expose his own kids, knock yourself out. But if I were a parent at Armstrong, I would be furious.

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  • October 8, 2014 at 11:50 pm
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    Todd,

    Your arrogance and probable ignorance regarding Clay Jenkins grandstanding ploy for publicity, is offensive to the many parents whose children attend Armstrong Elementary. You act as though you are the definitive authority on Ebola, and its transmission between humans. Jenkins better pray nobody at that school is diagnosed with this hideous virus. The term lawyer up will be an understatement. I would assume that applies to anyone who sarcastically underplays the potential threat. Regardless of whether he thinks he is right, the fact he took it upon himself to put anyone other than he and his family at ANY risk, is completely unacceptable and irresponsible. If anyone was 100% certain this virus could not be transmitted as he describes, we would have a cure by now. But we don’t, so there is not enough evidence to suggest that Duncan’s kids were not exposed since we don’t know enough about his interaction with them. Jenkins is just plain irresponsible to take the risk he took, and then subject his family and the children at Armstrong to potential exposure. Is the likelihood very small that any child will be affected. Probably yes. However, would any parent want to take even that small risk? NO!!!

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  • October 9, 2014 at 10:41 am
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    1) The government is not always right.
    2) “Science” is not always right.
    3) Journalists are not always right.

    Clay Jenkins is an adult and can engage in any risky behavior he chooses, but when his risky behavior carries a follow on risk (however small) of putting my family in danger then I have a right to be upset. He is making major health decisions for me and my family without my consent. My kids go to Armstrong and I am furious at his behavior. I am not overly concerned about Ebola being transmitted by his family at school but he has no right to make this decision for me – and I am doubly angry that he, and the media, believe that I am simple minded for caring about my kids. As a father I have one job in life and that is to protect and serve my family. I think Mr. Jenkins needs to understand that he has no right to make decisions on behalf of my family and the other families at Armstrong. I am furious about this, not afraid, but angry. Jenkins is a self-righteous egotistical politician who is wrapping himself in scripture and science to deflect criticism of his obviously risky behavior. PCP, you are on the wrong side of this issue as well. This is not just about health risks, it is about respecting your neighbors and your community. There are thousands of families in our community and Clay Jenkins has taken it upon himself to make major health decisions for all of us. We, as a country, do NOT understand Ebola. I can think of many instances where science, and the government, have been wrong, and this could very well be one of those times. Is it possible that the government is wrong about Ebola? Yes. Is it possible that Clay Jenkins doesn’t know everything there is to know about Ebola? I would venture to say yes. Clay may believe everything the government tells him, but I don’t and I am not wrong for being circumspect. Government and Science are human endeavors and humans make mistakes. Clay needs to realize that his undying faith in government and science is not shared in equal measure by his neighbors and this doesn’t make his neighbors idiots.

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  • October 9, 2014 at 9:42 pm
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    Amen, Armstrong Parent! Just one thing though–Mr Jenkins does believe that he can make decisions for us. He’s part of the government that has to guide us bobble headed idiots in the right direction because we are too stupid to decide for ourselves. Really appreciate your stance on the whole illegal immigrants coming to Dallas, too, Clay! That was true political grandstanding at its ridiculous best.

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  • October 12, 2014 at 10:03 am
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    Latest headline this morning on CNN: “Texas nurse tests positive for Ebola, would be 1st Ebola transmission in U.S.” This is a female nurse at Presby who WAS wearing protective gear while she was in contact with the Ebola patient that later died. So, Clay Jenkins — you really did screw up royally, and from what I heard when you gave your latest interview the other day, you care even less now than you did before. You exposed all those people at Armstrong, via your own family, no less — What are you going to do to make this right? What CAN you do?? It may already be too late. You really do think you’re invincible — I hope where your job is concerned, that is not the case.

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  • October 12, 2014 at 1:58 pm
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    So, where’s the grandstanding now, Clay?
    And PCP, where’s the sarcastic, mocking blog posts? Cat got your tongue?
    The only thing I know for sure, is that nobody knows for sure. The nurse had a HAZMAT suit on.

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  • October 13, 2014 at 6:24 pm
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    Even more puzzling, how is it that a nurse wearing a hazmat suit got Ebola but the fiancé caring for patient zero still shows no symptoms? Kind of makes you wonder even more about those transmission guidelines the vaunted CDC keeps spewing.

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  • October 15, 2014 at 7:45 am
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    How is it possible that the 4-5 people supposedly living in the apartment with TED are not sick while the fully covered nurses are?

    I suspect that TED knew he was sick all along and came to the US to get what he thought would be life saving treatment. The others supposedly staying in the apartment either did not stay there at all or stayed completely away from TED.

    I strongly suspect that the living conditions in that apartment were deplorable. The likelihood that a dishwasher was being used is minimal. If he used utensils that were placed on a drying rack they would all be sick. I believe they were all shocked when he made that first trip to the hospital and was not admitted.

    Someone needs to investigate if people were really staying in that apartment with TED.

    Also, did anyone see the fully covered cleanup crew people touching the handrails of the apartment while they were walking down the stairs? That place needs to burned to the ground.

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  • October 15, 2014 at 8:47 am
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    If you believe the government including the CDC, you are truly naïve.

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  • October 16, 2014 at 2:44 pm
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    @Sherlock

    Wow. Maybe too much coffee too early in the morning or too much Fox News late at night, but the conspiracy theories and the sheer hatred from your comment are shocking.

    An investigation into whether the family members were really in the apartment with him? Really? That’s such a bizarre theory there’s no logical response.

    And the idea that the apartment building should be burned to the ground is horrific.

    Ebola is definitely something we should be concerned about. Too bad we weren’t concerned when it was initially spreading overseas and we were too cheap to stop it then. Now that it is on our shores we once again display our ignorance, prejudices, and anti-science beliefs to the world.

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  • October 16, 2014 at 3:10 pm
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    @ Edward,
    You comment on Sherlock’s conspiracy theory and hatred, and then proceed to do the same.
    “Too bad we weren’t concerned when it was spreading overseas and were to cheap to stop it then”. So, somehow this is our fault?
    “We once again display our ignorance, prejudices, and anti-science beliefs to the world”. Sounds you hate “us” a lot, and think somehow the “world” is so superior to us.

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  • October 16, 2014 at 4:38 pm
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    @ XT

    I don’t think that pointing out the fact that due to budget cuts the U.S. has been unable to respond properly to help get Ebola under control in Africa is being hateful.

    It’s just pointing out a fact. The way to STOP Ebola from entering the U.S. is to get it under control before it gets here.

    It’s also pointing out a fact that compared to other Western countries, we have a larger percentage of people who don’t believe in the basics of science. Once again, I’m not hating on anyone.

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  • October 17, 2014 at 8:50 am
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    @ Edward; Fair enough. As to the basics of science, well, lo and behold, it looks like the “facts” are changing. And ‘ole Clay Jenkins looks like a bigger (and more dangerous )fool every day. I pray to god that nobody else gets infected, and that includes anybody at Armstrong, but it doesn’t negate the fact that he was reckless.

    From an article by Mike Lupica:
    It was Ivy Baker Priest, former treasurer of the United States, who once said, “I’m often wrong, but never in doubt.” It is worth remembering the line now as you think of the conga line of famous doctors, led by Tom Frieden of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who kept assuring us they knew everything there was to know about transmission of the Ebola virus.

    “We know how to stop Ebola,” Frieden said, with certainty on which cathedrals could be built

    Finally Frieden, who acted all along as if saying “I don’t know” was an act of treason, had to say this to a House panel on Thursday afternoon, talking about two trained nurses who supposedly followed all of the proper protocols and are sick with Ebola anyway:

    “While we do not yet know exactly how these transmissions occurred . . . .”

    Really, you could have stopped listening right there. Because at last Frieden, almost as a last resort, had said what he should have been saying all along, that he and everybody else only knew what they thought they knew about Ebola.

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  • October 17, 2014 at 4:32 pm
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    @Edward- Budget cuts? Are we talking about the sequestration? The one that cut a paltry $300 million out of a $6.9 billion budget? The same US government that has committed $100 million to the fight Ebola in Western Africal? Yes, we are a wealthy nation, but I think we are pulling our weight here.

    Reply

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