Friday, December 5, 2014

Ebola Leaves the US

Taylor Selbst, Brooke Black, & Katie Steele
Staff Writer

After many long weeks of hysteria, the Ebola virus has finally left the United States once the CDC and many corporations worked together to figure out the most preventative course of action. Only two imported cases, including one death, and two locally acquired cases in health care workers have been reported in the United States. Everybody has been taking precautions to stop the spread of the fatal virus. Any contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids will transfer the virus to another person. Even after patients with Ebola die, they still carry the live disease. Doctors deal with this problem by burning the deceased’s bodies so that the disease dies and will not continue to be contagious.
The first person who was diagnosed with Ebola in the United States was Thomas Eric Duncan. He was held at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, where he was admitted Sept. 28 and kept in isolation. He died on October 8,2014. Martin Salia, in Nebraska, was the latest patient to die from Ebola in the United States. At first friends and family thought he had malaria or typhoid since he had originally tested negative for the virus.Three days after having tested negative, he tested positive; false positives are possible the first days of symptoms when the virus has not become strong. When he arrived in Nebraska for the first time on November 15th, he was already critically ill and there was not much that the hospital could do for him. He had already developed kidney and respiratory failure and had to be placed on dialysis and a ventilator. He had even received plasma from a former Ebola patient that survived the deadly virus. Doctors gave him every possible option to try to save his life but they could not stop the disease from killing him on November 17th, 2014.
A huge issue with Ebola is that doctors, nurses, and caretakers often contract the disease as a result of close contact with their patients. For example, Dr. Craig Spencer had contracted the virus while caring for patients in Guinea, where over 1100 people have died as a result of the disease and about 1000 more are currently diagnosed with it. Spencer was being treated in New York’s Bellevue Hospital but was released on November 11 after having been diagnosed as virus-free.

As big a scare as Ebola disease has been in the United States, it is gone now, and Americans don’t have to be as worried about Ebola and making sure there isn’t another huge outbreak. It was almost four months that Ebola was in the United States, and this caused many heartbreaks to many families. The United States is doing everything it can to prevent another attack of Ebola. Hopefully, we can not only stop the spread in the United States but in all African countries as well.

Most Recent Ebola Patient in US Dies

Cailin Loesch
Staff Writer

Dr. Martin Salia, the most recent American to test positive for Ebola, died Monday. Salia has become the second person to die of the virus on US soil.

Nebraska Medical Center's Rosanna Morris, who treated Salia since he returned to the States after treating patients in Sierra Leone, spoke highly of the late doctor.

According to CNN, Morris stated at a news conference in Omaha that "It was an absolute honor to care for Dr. Salia.”

Morris says that the case was one that touched her personally, speaking of the time she spent with Salia’s anguished wife.

Though Ebola has been proven treatable if caught early and fought vigorously, chances of survival are greatly diminished if treatment is delayed, as seen in Salia’s case.

According to doctors at Nebraska Medical Center, Salia was already in “extremely critical” condition when he arrived at the facility on Saturday; By then, his kidneys and respiratory system were already failing.

Nebraska health officials said that Salia might have been sicker than the patients previously cured in the United States, which limited his chance of survival. Dr. Phil Smith, director of the hospital’s biocontainment unit, described it as an "hour-by-hour situation".

A statement released by The White House offered condolences to the Salia family. "Dr. Salia dedicated his life to saving others. He viewed this vocation as his calling, telling his fellow United Methodist Church members that he pursued medicine not because he wanted to, but because he firmly believed it was God's will for him," the statement read, according to CNN.

"Dr. Salia's passing is another reminder of the human toll of this disease and of the continued imperative to tackle this epidemic on the frontlines, where Dr. Salia was engaged in his calling."

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Ebola Outbreak

Hannah Mui
Staff Writer

The 2014 Ebola outbreak has become the largest Ebola outbreak to ever occur. Originating in Guinea, the outbreak has now spread to other countries in West Africa such as Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. As of Nov, 4, there has been a total of 13,268 cases of Ebola, but only 8,168 laboratory confirmed cases according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Death tolls are continuing to rise, surpassing 4,960 because of the inability to treat patients in West Africa.
 Ebola is a rare and deadly virus that causes bleeding inside and outside the body. As the virus spreads through the body, it damages your immune system and internal organs. Eventually, Ebola causes the amount of blood-clotting cells to drop, which results in uncontrollable bleeding.There is a period of time between the infection of the patient and the time that they finally experience symptoms. It can be spread from person to person by skin contact and bodily fluids. Ebola cannot be spread through air, water, or food.
 Countries in Africa that are experiencing an active outbreak have been screening all passengers on planes for Ebola. Although many West African countries are screening passengers to ensure Ebola does not spread further, the examiner may not be able to catch passengers who have recently been infected. During the short incubation time that infected patients they are able to get on planes and spread it by visiting countries.
 Patrick Sawyer, a 40-year-old lawyer, was infected with the virus while working in Liberia. Sawyer and one other aid worker were brought to the U.S. for treatment. Sawyer was in Liberia caring for his sick sister who had Ebola, although he did not know at the time. He is one of the first Americans to contract the virus.
 Currently there are no vaccines for Ebola that have been put through human trials. Some treatments have been tested on animals and been proven effective. American aid worker, Rick Sacra, 51, has recently been released from three weeks of isolation at the Nebraska Medical Center. There Sacra received an experimental drug called TKM-Ebola and two blood transfusions from another American aid worker that survived the disease. Doctors believe that the blood transfusions will help infected patients fight off the disease.The best thing for someone to do who is experiencing symptoms of Ebola is to see a doctor immediately.
 Recently the CDC has confirmed the first case of Ebola in the United States. Thomas Eric Duncan had traveled to Liberia and arrived back in the U.S. on Sept, 20. The CDC Director, Thomas Frieden, addressed the public about the individual with the virus. Duncan began to experience symptoms a few days after his arrival back in the U.S. When Duncan first visited the hospital, he was sent home under the belief he only had a mild fever. A few days later he was admitted into the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas.
 After those few days of experiencing the beginning of symptoms, Duncan came into contact with dozens of people. Duncan’s family including his wife, child, and two nephews have been kept in their apartment where Duncan was ill. CDC officials are working on identifying people that came in contact with Duncan, So far, the virus has been contained to the Duncan family.
  Recently, Craig Spencer, a 33 year-old doctor, has survived Ebola. Days after returning from Guinea Spencer was diagnosed with Ebola. After 3 weeks of quarantine and hospitalization, Spencer is declared Ebola free. Currently there are no U.S. hospitals are treating Ebola patients.

Our Top 6 Local Holiday Attractions

Lexi Anderson
Savannah Herring
Claire Dougherty
Staff Writers


 Winter, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! Snow is falling, the air is crisp, and hot chocolate fills everyone’s cup. With winter, comes sights and spectacles that can be enjoyed by all. These are our top 6!   


  1. Rockefeller Center
Located in New York City, NY,  Rockefeller Center holds the place of the famous ice skating rink and the iconic lightning of the huge Christmas tree. The tree will be lit on Dec. 3, between West 48th and West 51st St. and Fifth and Sixth Ave, and can be viewed until Jan. 7. Rockefeller Center  
  1. Radio City
Also located in New York City, NY, Radio City  Music Hall is home to the famous Rockettes. The Rockettes put on a splendid show, and each year there’s a different story that is shown showcasing the beauty of Christmas. This family friendly show is sure to put a smile on your face and put you in the Holiday spirit. The show goes on throughout the whole Holiday season (Nov 20-Dec 31)


  1. Shady Brook Farm Lightshow
The Shady Brook Farm offers a magical drive through holiday lights of different designs, colors, and figures. You can enjoy the display while in the comfort of your car or in the open wagon, if the weather permits. The light show opens on Nov. 22, 2014 and can be viewed 7 days a week from 5-10 pm until Jan. 4, 2015. Carloads are priced depending on the day, and size. Come out and see the grand holiday lights in a fun atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.


  1. Peddler’s Village
Peddler’s Village is a popular, and local place, great to celebrate the holiday season. There are many stores, and restaurants that sell classic holiday drinks and snacks. During the holiday season, almost every tree is lit up with dazzling lights that are sure to bring cheer to anyone. Some trees even have giant snowflakes hanging from their branches. Next time you’re near Peddler’s, stop by, it’ll definitely brighten your mood.


  1. Longwood Garden Christmas
The holiday season flies high in Kennett Square PA, with A Longwood Christmas show. The show is held from November 27 to January 11 where you can experience an outdoor/indoor garden winter wonderland. Halls are decorated up and down with christmas decor, from owls in delicate bird houses to an 18 foot tall rotating christmas tree, and more than half a million lights illuminate the gardens, making it a must see this holiday season.


  1. Pennsylvania Ballet
George Balanchine’s ballet The Nutcracker, is an iconic figure to the holidays. The Pennsylvania Ballet is presenting the amazing show from December 6 to December 31. The classical dance performance is accompanied by a live orchestra playing the music. The classical story is one that most know and love, that ring’s true to be a beautiful show.

Holidays Are Prime Time for Fun Couple Activities

Ben Muzekari
Staff Writer

 This season, treat yourself and your significant other to some special and memorable holiday traditions.

  Go see the Nutcracker-a Christmas-themed ballet which will warm your hearts. It will get you in the spirit of Christmas and make for fun conversation with your loved one once you’ve seen it. You’ll be entertained by the beautiful music written by the famous Tchaikovsky and the vibrant scenery and costumes. Prime locations to see the Nutcracker in the area include Philadelphia and Princeton.

 Take in the light show-Visit Newtown, PA for this spectacular display of lights. Drive through this long path of glowing lights including scenes from the Twelve Days of Christmas, famous t.v. characters, ships, animals and a variety of others. After your fun journey, treat yourselves to a cup of hot cocoa.

  Make a gingerbread house--Buy a kit for you and your loved one and build a house together. Have fun decorating but try not to eat all the tempting candy! You can purchase one of these at your local grocery store.

 Bake cookies! Visit the grocery store with your other half and purchase Pillsbury cookie dough, icing and holiday sprinkles. Roll out the dough at home, get out the cookie cutters and follow the Pillsbury baking instructions. Enjoy your treats together with a cup of hot cocoa. Get out the board games and enjoy yourselves by the fire.

Christmas movie marathon: Watch classics including Elf, Polar Express, The Night Before Christmas, Home Alone, It’s a Wonderful Life, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Charlie Brown Christmas and many more.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Students Set Goals for Marking Period Two

Madison Walsh
Staff Writer

New beginnings come about all the time. The most recent that New Hope-Solebury students  have faced is the start of a new marking period. When being asked how they felt the first marking period has gone, a wide assortment of responses were collected.
 Jane Doe (whose name is protected for privacy purposes) commented, “I would say [the first marking period] was very stressful, but overall I think I did good.”
 Kate Doe, for one, discussed how she was proud of her performance. “At times [the first marking period] was really hard. There were nights when I wouldn’t sleep because of all the work, but I would power through the agony and stress of it. I’m glad I did, because it made me into a better student than I was before. When I look back on my grades, I know it was from hard work and dedication,” she reported.
 John Doe for one had a different approach. He stated, “I feel like I did okay. I did relatively well, but I feel like I’ve done better in years past. This could be because I’m a senior, but I’d still like to improve upon that in the second marking period.”
 Other than reviewing their in-school performance from the past two months, they also began to dream big and set some goals for the second marking period.
 Jane Doe, after contemplating her performance said, “A goal I definitely have set for myself for the next marking period would be to stop procrastinating so much.”
 Agreeing with Jane, John Doe  stated, “I would like to get my GPA back up to where it used to be.”
 Overall, everyone seems to be looking for improvement to grow as students, whether it be in the classroom or outside of it.  
 To wrap up the first marking period as a whole one can conclude that the first marking period helped the student body gain helpful insight on each individual class’s curriculum. With the chance to find each person’s strengths and weaknesses, it can be agreed upon that this introduction to the 2014-2015 school year is one that will inspire students to be the best they can be going into the second marking period