The graphic that accompanied the Oct. 10 front-page article “Ebola outbreak’s grim equation” compared available treatment beds with the cumulative number of cases, rather than the number of active cases. Further, it held that 70 percent of people showing symptoms of Ebola in West Africa should be in Ebola treatment units (ETUs) to break the chain of transmission, but it didn’t take into account other types of effective care. ETUs are important, but a broader strategy is needed, including community care centers staffed by health workers, social outreach workers and safe burial teams.

A significant international response is underway and growing by the day, including the largest U.S. response to an international public health crisis in our nation’s history.

The United States has deployed civilian and military staffs to the region and is supporting the construction and management of ETUs, safe burial teams and salaries for health workers. In missing these essential elements, the graphic gave an incomplete assessment of what it will take to stop the outbreak.

Nancy Lindborg, Washington

The writer is assistant administrator for democracy, conflict and humanitarian assistance at the U.S. Agency for International Development.

●

The Ebola epidemic has clearly overwhelmed some West African communities and now challenges our medical system. Although only eight cases have been treated in the United States, I am concerned about an epidemic afflicting millions: anxiety and fear regarding Ebola — AFREbola, if you will.

As an infectious-disease specialist, I recall a similar attitude more than 30 years ago at the start of the AIDS epidemic, when the HIV retroviruses had not yet been identified and virtually all infected patients were dying. The public was frightened, and many health-care workers refused to care for hospitalized AIDS patients. We referred to this greater epidemic as AFRAIDS (anxiety and fear regarding AIDS). The lessons learned can be applied to AFREbola: to more fully understand the pathogenesis, transmission, prevention and treatment of this viral infection.

As more imported and indigenous cases are reported, we need to keep in mind that we faced and beat a previous panic-driven epidemic, and we will conquer this one as well.

Stephen L. Green, Haymarket

●

President Obama has appointed Ron Klain as “Ebola czar.” As a physician, I know that another layer of bureaucracy with vague responsibilities outside of the usual governmental channels is not the answer.

The assistant secretary of health and human services, Howard Koh, is well trained and has the credentials to advise the president. He is charged with oversight of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other national health agencies. Where is his voice on the CDC’s lack of direction regarding Ebola? Why has he not advocated for a respected surgeon general (rather than the president’s favored political operative and campaign fundraiser)? Where is the coordination of resources and clear policy?

U.S. citizens deserve far better medical guidance and much more responsible medical leadership. Imagine the catastrophe if this country should have a fast-moving infectious threat such as smallpox. The evident lack of preparation and coordinated response is appalling and frightening.

Susan G. Larson, Ellicott City