Dr. McCormick spoke of his experiences in the field researching viral outbreaks in Africa, South America and Asia. He described the first outbreaks of Ebola in the early 70's, and the hardships facing his medical team in reaching the isolated areas, setting up hospitals, and convincing the people that some of their practices were aiding in the spread of the deadly disease. Slides accompanied the lecture, and helped to illustrate the conditions doctors faced, including a lack of roads to reach victims, and a hospital with no real beds or any equipment.
Other outbreaks that Dr. McCormick worked on were Lassa Fever and HIV, which he said is the most deadly of the viruses recently discovered because of its spread to urban areas. He stressed that viruses exist in their own niche if left alone, but urbanization, travel, and changes in sexual conduct have been factors in the spread of HIV beyond the villages of Africa.
Other factors in the spread of deadly viruses are the overuse of antibiotics, and poor understanding of Western medical practices. Antibiotics are often sold over the counter in developing countries, and are used as a "feel good" medicine. While some hospitals have been using modern equipment, they have not been educated in Western medical practices, and sharing of needles is common.
Dr. McCormick concluded by stating that humans are the ones creating the problems, and that we must take steps to change practices. We in the U.S. cannot isolate ourselves; AIDS has taught us that we are "on the planet with everyone else. We have a responsibility to provide leadership."
