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Ebola—The Plague Fighters
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Viewing Ideas
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Before Watching
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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.
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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
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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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