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Compare SARS to other epidemics
April 22, 2003
Web posted at: 10:38 PM EDT (0238 GMT)
Overview: Canada's SARS outbreak is the largest outside of Asia. On Tuesday, the World Health Organization confirmed that 139 probable cases of SARS and more than a dozen SARS-related deaths had occurred in the country. The U.S.-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is assisting Canada by sending a crew of epidemiologists across the border.
After students read "U.S. assists Canada in tackling SARS epidemic" present the following:
What is SARS? What are the symptoms of SARS? How is it spread? Which country has the second largest outbreak of SARS? Who is going to Canada to assist that country in preventing the spread of the virus? According to the story, why is the U.S. in a better position than most countries to stem the spread of SARS?
What does CDC Director, Dr. Julie Gerberding say regarding the U.S. attitude about SARS? For which nations has the U.S. issued a travel advisory because of SARS? What advice does the CDC give for those who are traveling to Canada?
Have students define the terms "epidemic" and "pandemic." Then, refer student groups to the Web sites provided and other resources to learn more about SARS and other epidemics throughout history. Ask the following questions to guide students' research.
- How is an epidemic different from a pandemic?
- What are three other examples of epidemics or pandemics?
- What countries have been affected by each disease?
- What public health strategies were (or are being) employed to control each of these diseases?
- Have any of these diseases been eradicated?
- Is SARS a pandemic?
After groups share their findings, conduct a class discussion in which students compare the strategies that are being used to contain the spread of SARS to the strategies that have been used to contain other epidemics or pandemics.
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