“Isolate the patient. Isolate everyone who has had contact with the victim. Burn the linens, bedding, and clothing. Keep the environment clean and sterile as possible.”
“Exactly. It isn’t a cure, but it will spare lives.”
“If I may ask, how would you isolate that many people? Any who come in contact with a sick person through air, fluids or touch! That’s everyone! Entire populations of infected towns or cities would have to be monitored, treated, and educated. This is a monumental undertaking! The logistics alone is staggering for that many people.”
“I know it seems harsh, but we have seen epidemics popping up in other countries, and thousands are dying. Each time the disease strikes it grows stronger. We have tested my theory on a small scale, and I know it works. We can slow and potentially stop the spread of this disease, by following my protocols.”
Charles continues pacing and talks until they are interrupted by a knock at the door. A little irritated she goes and opens the door to stare at Dr. Jung.
“Hello Dr. Jung, we are busy…” she starts to say, but her father interrupts her.
“Yes, excellent! You’re just in time. Come in, come in. I want another medical opinion on Protocol Two. I invited Jung to give his educated opinion.”
“You can’t be serious,” Summer snaps as Jung moves past her offering another tin of treats to Charles.
“Perfectly. Let's continue,” Charles says guiding Jung inside. “More chocolates! You will spoil my girls. They loved your gift, thank you.” He pops the tin open and eats a chocolate before offering Summer one.
Summer ignores him and returns to sit at the desk once more.
“Jung, Protocol Two is regarding how to stop the epidemic or pandemic of smallpox. I am recommending to the board at Harvard that in order to stop this horrific disease, they must ready an isolated area with the necessary precautions to care for the infected. Housing, food, water, sanitation. A hospital must be set up to care for those who are recovering. It must be away from the general population and separated from any possible cross-contamination to protect them.”
“I am honored you would include me Charles, but what of those who have come into contact with the sick. Pathology is not an exact science yet, but through our studies, we can prove that this disease is spread through bodily fluids and especially blood. Will you house those exposed separately? Will they be watched for fever? How long is long enough? What you are proposing is on a massive scale. They will never go for it.”
Summer is surprised by his questions. They are the same questions she was asking. “The Protocol states those with fever are quarantined, those who show no signs after two days are allowed to seek housing but stay for another five days until they are considered to be immune,” she explains for her father.
Jung jumps to his feet and paces with excitement. “Dah! It could work! Charles this is genius. However, I would suggest increasing the quarantine time to five days for signs of fever. Two days would not be long enough.”
“Are you getting this, Summer. I knew we should bring you in on this. Thank you, Jung. Let's discuss this more over tea,” she writes down his suggestions.
“Actually, I was hoping to bring you in on a case below deck.” He quickly fills in the older doctor on the patient and symptoms.
Summer is moving to return the leather books to their box when her father’s voice stops her. “Summer, please tell your mother that I will be assisting the Doctor with some patients below deck.”
“Miss Denning.” Jung bows and his eyes snap to the notebooks in her arms.
“I will tell her. Is there anything I can help with?” She asks gripping the books tighter.
“That is kind of you. However, this requires people with medical training,” Jung replies.
Her lips tighten in anger, and she looks at her father who is frowning at Dr. Rudolph.
“Very well, excuse me then,” she hurries to the desk near the main room to lock the journals away.
Dr. Denning watches Summer walk away frustrated and turns back to his guest, “Let me grab my medical bag and I will join you.” He follows her into the sitting area and quietly reassures his daughter, “This is for the best Summer until we know what kind of illness we are dealing with.” A quick squeeze of her arm and a light kiss to her cheek has him turning to his stateroom to retrieve his bag.
Jung moves deeper into the cabin and glances around. In a large mirror, he watches her speak to her father before handing him a key, which he drops into his bag. A smile escapes, and he turns as though looking out the suite’s large windows.
“You have an amazing cabin, Dr. Denning.”
“Only the best for my girls,” He replies as he guides Jung to the door. “Tell me about the patient,” he asks as he opens the door. Jung takes the hint and is explaining the symptoms when the door shuts.
“Nausea, fever, cough…”
Summer yells, “Oooh, that arrogant buffoon!” Her frustration boils over, and she kicks the couch leg only to yelp in pain and curse him again.
Dr. Charles Denning smiles at the little boy who had dinner with his children two nights before and applies a cold compress to his forehead. “You will be right as rain in no time, Danny. You need to rest and drink lots of fluids.” His Mother wrings her hands and encourages him to sip more water.
“Dr. Denning, what is it? It hit him so fast. He was fine this morning?” The boy’s father snarls at Dr. Rudolph, “You said the vaccine
