“We need to update the CDC,” Elizabeth said, gently corralling the women toward the door. Ava nodded and brushed the tears from her eyes.
They stepped into the office following Dr. Mars. A younger woman sat across from Dr. Mars’ desk in a dark suit and glasses. Her face was sharp and stern and her hair was pulled into a tight bun on the back of her head. She was shorter than Ava, as most women were, but she felt as though she took up all the space in the room.
“Doctor Jackson, Doctor Grant, this is Doctor Watson from the Centers for Disease Control.”
They all shook hands and Dr. Mars gestured for them all to have a seat. She took the seat behind her desk as they exchanged formalities.
“What do we know?” Doctor Watson asked, her perfectly painted lips were drawn. Ava looked at Elizabeth who started speaking.
“We know it’s a virus, but we don’t know yet where it originated or how exactly it spreads,” Elizabeth said.
“Or the incubation period,” Ava said. “All of the patients are showing the same progression of symptoms, but at varying speeds.”
“And this Sandra… Watson,” she paused at the shared name. “She’s our patient zero?”
“We can’t be sure yet, but it’s a possibility,” Doctor Mars answered. “There were two others who came in at the same time, one patient died within a few minutes of arrival.”
“Symptoms?” Doctor Watson asked.
“Very similar to late-stage rabies,” Ava said. “They’re mostly neurological, muscle spasms, mood swings, even paralysis. Sandra was almost completely paralyzed when she came in, but we will know more once we’ve done an autopsy.”
“Do you feel we need to alert the public on this?” Doctor Watson asked. Elizabeth was slightly taken aback, usually that determination was made by the CDC, and they didn’t worry too much about anyone else’s opinion on the matter.
Ava and Elizabeth looked at each other, unsure how to answer.
“We’ve had two deaths already, and everyone who has had contact with them since the outbreak has tested positive for the virus, we may need to inform the public,” Doctor Watson summarized without their input.
“Can you give us some time?” Elizabeth asked.
Doctor Watson narrowed her eyes at Elizabeth.
“We have a new lead that I would like to check, because it will change the release if we find what I expect,” Ava said. Elizabeth couldn’t help but admire the confidence with which Ava spoke. She didn’t seem intimidated in the slightest by the woman in front of them.
“The progression has slowed?” Doctor Watson asked.
“I can’t answer that with certainty,” Elizabeth said.“But we may need to look in Sandra’s equipment warehouse. I don’t think the virus originated at the campsite. That will change who could possibly have been exposed.”
“We need to update the public as soon as possible, so that patients know what to watch for and if they need evaluation,” Dr. Watson said, her lips tight.
“I agree,” Elizabeth said. “But if we put out a press statement stating that they came into contact with the virus miles from town, most wouldn’t even consider whether they’ve had contact, other than the staff here and the emergency personnel, who are already being tested or treated.”
Doctor Watson took a deep breath, but seemed to acquiesce. “Alright, we will give you twenty-four hours, which should be more than adequate, and in my opinion way too much time for this virus to spread without public knowledge.”
Elizabeth nodded. “We will have answers by then.”
5
AVA
Ava forced her expression into one of neutrality as Dr. Watson left the office with the plan to return the following morning. She was struggling with the pressure, with the news of Sandra’s death, with everything. Elizabeth put a hand over on Ava’s knee and asked, “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine,” Ava said, blowing out a breath. “We need to get back to the lab.”
“Go,” Doctor Mars said firmly. “Bring me some good news.”
Ava nodded and they both stood. Elizabeth pressed her lips together and they strode out the door to the elevator once again. As the doors closed in front of them, Elizabeth turned to Ava. “I’m sorry about your friend,” she said gently.
“Me too,” Ava said and blinked away tears. “We have to get to the bottom of this, soon. I don’t want to lose anyone else.”
