North teacher comments on former graduate and Ebola victim, Dr. Spencer

Photo+provided+by+Spencers+Facebook+page.

Photo provided by Spencer’s Facebook page.

By Lauren Sexton, Intern

It was confirmed on Oct. 23 that Dr. Craig Spencer tested positive for Ebola. Spencer is currently being treated at Bellevue Hospital in New York City in one of four isolation rooms. When he arrived at JFK International Airport in New York after a Doctors without Borders trip in West Africa, Spencer wasn’t exhibiting any symptoms from the virus.  It wasn’t until later that Spencer realized he had a 100.3 degree fever and could possibly have contracted Ebola..

Before he checked into the hospital, Spencer traveled up and down New York City through the subway system. He also went for a jog, ate at a  popular diner and even went bowling. New York City residents are concerned about possible exposure, and as a result, the mayor of the city is trying to assure his citizens that conditions are still safe.

Spencer now lives in New York City, but he graduated from North in 1999.

“I was surprised. It’s not how someone or our school should be famous for, but I applauded his volunteerism because he works for Doctors without Borders, and I think that is very noble, and he is a great humanitarian” Spencer’s former social studies teacher Terri Steimer said.

There has been no confirmation that the 33-year-old doctor is a potential threat to New York City, but when he tested positive for his Ebola, anything that could further spread exposure was quarantined.