The Ebola is spreading around the world, recently having infected U.S. citizens. As of the moment, Korea is free from Ebola, but its citizens are not relieved and are keeping a close eye on what the government is doing to protect them from Ebola. The earliest case of Ebola scare began with an event organized by Duksung Women’s University (DWU) and United Nations Women, which took place at Lotte Hotel on October 4. Approximately 200 students from 24 countries were to gather and discuss topics regarding women leadership. However, concerns arose when the public found out that the list included 34 students from nine African countries including Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, and Ethiopia. None of the students was from countries of Ebola breakout, but the concerns did not recede easily. Many citizens called for the cancellation of the event, posting requests on Cheong Wa Dae, otherwise known as the Blue House. The event was not cancelled, but less than half of the registered students attended the event.

The next scare came from the news that the government lost track of two foreigners from Liberia, one of the affected countries in Africa. The Korea Centers for Disease Control & Prevention contacted the Ministry of Justice two days after losing contact with the two foreigners and requested the help of the police. While the police could not locate them, the two foreigners applied for asylum after 11 days. They weren’t infected with Ebola, but the incident showed that the quarantine procedures against Ebola were ineffective. The government responded by saying that the quarantine procedures would be strengthened and visitors from affected countries would be strictly monitored or even denied entry.

A mild incident took place at Busan, where the International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference was held. Two representatives from Guinea, also one of four affected countries arrived at Incheon International Airport. Although the Guinean government decided not to send any representatives, they came to Korea without any knowledge of the decision. After being notified, the representatives accepted Korea’s advice and voluntarily left the country after being tested for fever and undergoing basic medical checkup.

As public concerns over Ebola increased, the government decided to take strong measures against Ebola. In addition to strengthening the quarantine procedures, President Geun-hye Park announced that Korea would send medical personnel to four West African countries affect by Ebola next year. President Park made this announcement during the Asia-Europe Meeting, saying that Korea will help with the fight against Ebola. Following this announcement, the Ministry of Health and Welfare began accepting applications for the 10 posts. More than 40 medical personnel have applied for the position, and that number is expected to increase. In addition to the 10 civilian medical personnel, 10 military personnel will join the team. This decision has recently been supported by President Jim Yong Kim of the World Bank. During a visit to Korea, President Kim said that Korea’s decision to send medical personnel and the financial support of 5.6 million USD will be helpful to the battle against Ebola. If members of the team are infected with Ebola, they will be treated in the U.S. or Europe before returning to Korea.

Although Ebola hasn’t reached Korea yet, experts warn that Korea isn’t ready for an Ebola breakout. In a recent journal article, Professor Moran Ki of National Cancer Center – School of Cancer Science and Policy hypothesized a situation in which an Ebola patient enters Korea and visits a hospital. Professor Ki said that Korean hospitals are not ready to handle Ebola patients. Since Ebola can be spread through direct contact with bodily fluids, samples obtained from the patient should be tested inside the quarantine zone and not taken outside. However, no facility is prepared for that, and the samples have to be taken to a laboratory outside of the quarantine zone. Also Professor Ki said that there is no laboratory with the proper certifications required to handle deadly viruses such as Ebola, although a laboratory with proper certifications is being constructed and is expected to be finished by November. More importantly, she pointed out that there is a shortage of treatments and vaccines worldwide.