SUMMARY
There is growing concern about the continuing spread of the highly contagious bird flu in the U.S. While federal health officials say the risk to humans is low, the virus has now spread to dairy cattle and sickened one person. William Brangham discussed more with Jennifer Nuzzo of the Pandemic Center at Brown University’s School of Public Health.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- What is the avian flu or bird flu?
- Who is Jennifer Nuzzo, and what is her background?
- When and Where did bird flu start showing up in mammals in the U.S.?
- Why are officials concerned about spread from birds to mammals?
- How has bird flu affected livestock like chickens in recent years?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
Based on the response in the U.S. to the COVID pandemic, how do you think public officials should be trying to manage outbreak of the bird flu, both in terms of policy and messaging to the public?
Media literacy: This story includes caution that bird flu does not currently represent a threat to humans. Why, then, do you think this story is newsworthy or worth exploring?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to find out more about?
FOR MORE
What students can do: Read the NewsHour article, "Texas patient diagnosed with bird flu after contact with cows presumed to be infected." Then discuss:
- What do you think are some ways to prevent humans from becoming infected by coming into contact with livestock like cows?
- What actions are health officials taking in light of bird flu spread to a human? Do you think other actions should be taken?
Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources. Sign up for NewsHour Classroom’s ready-to-go Daily News Lessons delivered to your inbox each week.
