WCAX TV has identified a man now in quarantine for possible exposure to the Ebola virus in West Africa as Peter Italia of Rutland. But questions remain about why he went to such a high-risk area and what his intentions were. Several local residents say they know Italia, and are worried about him.
Lindra Moerdyk was having coffee Wednesday morning with several friends at a Rutland café. Ever since the morning paper they wondered if the man in quarantine was someone they know from church.
“Almost looking at the headlines I was like, 'this fits,' ” said Moerdyk.
“I’ll bet you this is the person I know of who went to Africa to see if he could do something to help. I’m glad he’s back,” she added. “I’ve been concerned about his well being and I think he’s just a caring person. I have no idea why he wanted to go. I know he wanted to go to help the people of Africa, and that seems to fit with his personality.”
"I think he's a person with a big heart who wanted to help other people, period. That's all I know. That's what I have seen and heard when I've talked to him." -Lindra Moerdyk, Rutland
Moerdyk and the others at the table were hesitant to identify the man or their church to protect his privacy. But they described the man as middle-aged, articulate and thoughtful -- as well as homeless. Rutland Mayor Christopher Louras has described the man as transient in a statement.
The group wondered how a person who is homeless could travel back and forth to Africa. But Lindra Moerdyk and her fellow parishioners said they believe his intentions were good.
“I think he’s a person with a big heart who wanted to help other people, period. That’s all I know - that’s what I have seen and heard when I’ve talked to him,” she said.
