Fighting a 'Forgotten' Disease

Click on the embedded link above to read the article, see photos, and listen to or download the audio file on the NPR website.

    

This article is about an outbreak in one country that has the potential to get much worse. Word count: 662

   

Before reading:

     

General Knowledge:

• Can you find the country of Angola on a map?
• What is an 'epidemic'? Why has this topic been trending in the news lately?

      
Speculate:

• This article discusses a disease that has not yet spread through many countries. Why might people be worried about it now?

       

After reading:

     

Review and discuss:

• Write a 3-4 sentence summary of this article. Begin your summary with "This article is about…".
• The article says: " The disease has been all but eradicated in wealthy countries but remains a serious threat in areas of Africa and South America where it still pops up". What is the relationship between a country's wealth and the spread of disease? Explain why poorer countries are more likely to struggle with certain diseases.
• Explain what Dr William Perea is implying when he says, "Yellow fever is a forgotten disease".
• What does Dr Perea mean when he says any disease is "just a plane ride away"?
• Why is it important to bring international attention to the situation in Angola? Try to list at least 3 reasons.
• In your opinion, what was the most interesting thing mentioned in this article? Why?

       
Reflect and evaluate:

• Has your country experienced an epidemic in recent years? What are some diseases that you have heard about in the news, and why are people talking about them?
• What are some things that people can do to slow or stop the spread of a disease? In other words, what can people do to prevent getting sick?
• Have you ever received a vaccination? Do people often receive vaccinations in your country?
• Is there anything else you'd like to know about this topic? Do you have any questions that weren't answered in the article?
• What vocabulary words were new to you in this article? Make a record of what you have learned.

       
Beyond the page

• Do some research to find out more about some of the major epidemics that have happened in the last century.

     

Join the conversation: add your thoughts about this article in the comments section below!