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Ebola—The Plague Fighters
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Viewing Ideas
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Before Watching
Briefly discuss with students what they know about viruses, such as the
common cold and the flu. Then invite them to share news stories, books,
television shows, or movies about new and deadly viruses, such as the Ebola
virus. What do they know about the disease and its symptoms? How it is
transmitted? How can people protect themselves from these viruses? As they
watch the program, have students look for information about the symptoms and
transmission of Ebola, and the ways that health workers tried to protect
themselves from the disease. One of the challenges in trying to find Ebola victims was the stigma
associated with the disease that prevented people with the virus from coming
forward. Have students discuss diseases in the United States that have stigmas
attached to them. What efforts are being made to help people overcome the
stigma of these diseases? As they watch the program, have students look for
strategies medical teams use to try to overcome people's fears.
After Watching
Review students' observations of the program, particularly with respect to
the prevention and the education strategies they saw. How did medical workers
locate victims while protecting themselves and others? How did the Ebola virus
spread? Why was it so important to isolate the victims? Compare this
quarantine with the treatment of other diseases, such as leprosy, measles, or
the bubonic plague. When is a quarantine necessary or unnecessary?
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