The 2014 Ebola Outbreak
Your Mission:
To become an expert on the deadly Ebola virus and design a strategy to contain the rapidly growing outbreak in Western Africa.
Background:
The current outbreak of Ebola in Western Africa has already claimed the lives of over 2,000 people and leading international health organizations predict the number may reach ten times that amount before the virus has run its course. There is currently no cure or vaccine for Ebola and it is doubtful that one will be discovered during the outbreak. Local and international health workers are being pushed beyond their limits as they attempt to save as many lives as possible by identifying the sick (who are often reluctant to leave their homes), treating the infected patients with limited resources, and attempting to prevent the further spread of the virus through on-the-ground public health education campaigns.
Tasks:
Review the Ebola materials assembled for you by a team of experts and then use what you've learned to create a strategy to stop the outbreak.
1. Read about the Epidemiologic Triangle. It will help you to understand the method public health scientists use to stop an outbreak and will come in handy when you are creating your own strategy to halt the spread of Ebola.
2. Explore as many of the resources as you can. Keep in mind that the more materials you are able to watch, read and explore, the better chance you will have at creating a successful plan.
The information is organized into three categories:
Agent - the microbe that causes the disease
Host - the organism harboring the disease
Environment - the external factors that cause or allow the disease transmission
3. After you have finished your research, use what you have learned to complete the Ebola outbreak: strategic plan which includes the following:
an Epidemiological Triangle
a graphic organizer for key facts and prompts to help you create your evidence-based recommended strategy to contain the Ebola outbreak.
Getting Started: Obtain the Strategic Plan Worksheet from Mr. Breitkreutz and use the link to help you complete your strategic plan for containing the Ebola outbreak. There are a number of videos to watch and items to do on the site. PLEASE make sure that you are doing all that is necessary to complete your Strategic Plan Worksheet as best as you can.