The current CDC recommended standard for Ebola protection of healthcare workers is a mask, gown, gloves and face shield. With experience and extensive training these leave no room for error at best. US healthcare workers do not have the training and experience working with lethal BSL-4 agents to provide care with this minimal safety equipment. Suggestions such as full protective suits, decontamination of equipment prior to removal, and team treatment to monitor for safety and assist in decontamination could provide a needed margin of safety. The need for change should be abundantly clear with nurses both in Spain and the US having contracted Ebola during the course of providing care. Revisions should be made quickly and humbly instead of blaming healthcare workers on the front line.
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