To stick to the nightmare scenario, though, CR could actually become a destination country during a Central America outbreak, which I concede is a possibility if the folks in charge in West Africa don’t improve their efforts fast. As bad as it is, the Caja is probably better prepared to handle this kind of situation than are the healthcare systems in most of not all Central American countries. However, there would be strict limits to how much it could do.

Meanwhile, the thing that concerns me about an outbreak of Ebola anywhere is what happens to the rest of the sick people once maximum resources are devoted to Ebola. God help you if you have a heart attack or need knee surgery while the healthcare system is battling Ebola.

Bottom line is that Kelly is right in his warning, but probably shouldn’t have said it publicly and has no call to imply that the US is especially well-prepared either. Heck, the US is one of the countries now dropping the ball.