TB infected traveler . . .

United States
May 31, 2007 11:58am CST
Have you heard about this idiot??? He's got TB, a very infectious disease, and is advised not to travel with it. Somehow, because they couldn't tell him right away if it was a drug resistant type, he decides to go to Europe anyway! No thought for anyone else and how sick they might get -- drug resistant type or not. THEN, when they contact him in Italy to tell him it IS the drug resistant type, not only does he NOT turn himself in to the Italian health people as instructed, he runs and takes an even more circuitous route home rather than the fastest, thereby risking infecting even MORE people!!!!!! Gee, he says he's dreamed of having his wedding in Greece and honeymooning all over Europe for years. Well, boo hoo! Weddings and honeymoons can be rescheduled, a life cut short due to complications from this disease cannot! Wages of the infected will be lost as well. What do you think about this? Would you have done what he did? Should he be punished?? (I think so, this is how global pandemics start!)
2 people like this
5 responses
@ElicBxn (63235)
• United States
31 May 07
I think he should be punished too, but I don't know how much more punishment he can be given since he's going to be in hospital for around a year as it is. I'd say he should have to actually pay for the time and for testing and shots of everyone he infected, but that's not going to happen!
1 person likes this
• United States
1 Jun 07
Actually, as more news becomes available, I can understand his "Last Great Adventure Before Spending the Next Year In Hospital" mentality better -- but I still think he behaved dangerously and needs to be held responsible for his actions somehow. He comes off as being a little too arrogant in assuming that HE had the right to jepordize the health of others because HE knew what he was doing -- as if he could tell that he wouldn't run across anyone vulnerable! Grrrrr!
@ElicBxn (63235)
• United States
1 Jun 07
I absolutely agree that he should be punished. And if he's so rich he can honeymoon around Europe for a year, you'd think he could afford to PAY for all the medical treatment everyone he had contact with has to receive, but maybe nobody is that rich.
@stacyv81 (5903)
• United States
31 May 07
yes, I did a discussion on this too. So, Good topic! =) Yes, supposedly he was on the do not fly list. I think he should be charged for something for putting all of those people and every single person they came in contact with in danger. TB is a dangerous disease. What if those people have infants? And go home to them? And get them poor little babies with weaker immune systems infected? He has no right to do that just to be selfish and fly. RudE!
1 person likes this
• United States
31 May 07
Ooops! I looked for similar discussions, but obviously didn't go back far enough!!! Obviously, great minds think alike! LOL!! I didn't even think of the poor infants. Now I'm thinking permamnent revocation of his passport as well as hefty $$$$$$$$ fines. Prison is too good for him, sweating actual cash for several years would be better!
@stacyv81 (5903)
• United States
31 May 07
no big deal I dont mind when people post similar discussions to mine, some people do, but not me. =) I found another one from before mine too after I posted it, and I thought there werent any either. Oh, well it happens. It would be hard for it not too. I agree though It is horrible that for one selfish man a lot of people and kids, and infants could be harmed.
1 person likes this
@onesiobhan (1327)
• Canada
30 Mar 08
I read about him. A number of people who were on the plane with him launched a civil lawsuit for endangering them. I hope they win. His behaviour was incredibly irresponsible.
• United States
1 Jun 07
This guy should be prosecuted because he has endangered other people. Most states have a law regarding reckless endangerment. Whether or not it's a felony or misdemeanor depends on the state. He sounds like a very selfish person..I wonder what his family and friends think of him?
1 person likes this
@laltu86 (1249)
• India
31 May 07
People now a days are becoming more and more ignorant about others they dont care for the life and property of others all they can think about is me and myself , that what i can say , and for the man i would dedicate these few words , if you wanna die die alone dont take others to grave with you.
1 person likes this