B2 – Upper Intermediate
Ebola is a severe and often deadly viral disease that affects humans and other primates. It is caused by the Ebola virus and spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or contaminated objects.
The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo a public health emergency of international concern.
This outbreak is especially difficult because it involves a rare strain of Ebola that currently has no vaccine, and infections have been reported in a conflict-affected region.
Read the article about Ebola and why stopping the latest outbreak in DR Congo is so difficult.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz72p75zg4qo
Vocabulary Questions:
- Define “organ failure”. “As the disease progresses, vomiting and diarrhoea develop and it can lead to organ failure.” Use the term in a sentence.
- What does “porous” mean here: “A further complication is that the outbreak is taking place in a conflict zone, with a quarter of million people displaced from their homes and people moving across porous borders into neighbouring countries.” Use the word in this context in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “to bolster” mean? “Several African countries are tightening border screenings and bolstering health facilities.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- What makes the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo difficult to control?
- Why do you think Ebola outbreaks are so dangerous compared to other diseases?
- What do you think is the most effective way to stop the spread of Ebola in the long term?
- How important is international cooperation in responding to outbreaks like Ebola?
- What challenges do healthcare workers face when treating Ebola patients?
- How can misinformation or fear impact efforts to stop an Ebola outbreak?
- What lessons has the world learned from past Ebola outbreaks?