A resident of New York City was diagnosed with Ebola on Thursday, Oct. 23 following his return from West Africa, where he was helping to treat Ebola patients.

According to CNN, Dr. Craig Spencer, 33, returned from Guinea on Oct. 17, but did not show any symptoms of the virus until Oct. 23.  He is now in isolation at the Bellevue Hospital Center in Harlem.

“It would have seemed prudent for him to quarantine himself to returning to the U.S. and making sure that he was Ebola free,” Libby Russ, one of Staples’ nurses, said. “But I think it’s unfortunate since he’s a healthcare professional who was trying to help treat Ebola.”

This announcement worried many students and staff, who frequently visit New York City.  Grace Summerfield ’15, who travels to New York City for art classes twice a week felt strongly about this announcement.

“I’m [in New York] at least twice a week, so it’s definitely nerve racking having to go there knowing this is now a prevalent problem,” Summerfield said.

Other students recognize Ebola as a threat, but until it becomes a more serious issue, won’t allow for it to affect their daily lives.

“Until more people are diagnosed with Ebola, I will continue to go to New York,” Freddy Hertan ’15 said.  “I think people are overreacting to this.”

While students and staff are concerned by the virus, they believe that it is being handled properly by officials, and that it shouldn’t affect the community.

“I think anyone with Ebola poses a threat to this nation until they are quarantined or isolated,” Russ said. “But right now, there is no reason for panic at Staples High School.”