Kenmore man headed to Ebola zone

KENMORE, Wash. — "You just don't get Ebola. Absolutely not!"

Dwight Thompson sat in his leafy backyard garden, a world away from the West African countries where thousands have died from the deadly Ebola virus. Even here, he says, he feels a need to help.

"I really believe if we step up to the plate," said Thompson, "we can get it contained in those three countries."

So the retired Army reserve colonel, a veteran of two wars, traveled last week to Alabama for special training with the Centers for Disease Control to help reopen the clinics in Liberia left empty by fearful health workers.

He showed photographs of the special protective gear he has been trained to put on and take off with what he calls his ''buddy.''

"Anytime I feel unsafe in the environment," said Thompson, a social worker by training. "I'm to take my buddy and get out."

Thompson is heading to Liberia on Oct. 30; he'll be there for about three weeks.

He says he's more concerned how he will be treated when he returns by those afraid he’ll bring the disease back home.

"But that's not going to happen," insisted Thompson. "The CDC has done a very good job of training for the workers that are going over there."

Thompson is spending about $5,000 of his own money to make the trip. The Lake Forest Park Rotary Club is helping raise money, too.

KIRO