B2 – Upper Intermediate
The World Health Organization announced that the outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Read the article to know why the declaration aims to strengthen international coordination and response to contain the disease.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “epidemiological link” mean? “In addition, there is limited understanding of the epidemiological links with known or suspected cases.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does “case management” mean? “These measures must include enhanced surveillance including contact tracing, infection prevention and control (IPC), risk communication and community engagement, laboratory diagnostic testing, and case management.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does “nosocomial infection” mean? “Strengthen measures to prevent nosocomial infections, including systematic mapping of health facilities, triage, targeted IPC interventions and sustained monitoring and sustained supervision.” Use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What do you know about Ebola and how it spreads?
- Why do you think the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a global health emergency?
- How can countries work together to prevent the spread of infectious diseases?
- Do you think people should be concerned about outbreaks happening in other countries? Why or why not?
- What lessons have we learned from past health emergencies, such as COVID-19, that could help manage Ebola outbreaks?