UNIT: Ebola Virus
Once Ebola was a feared disease with alarming symptoms that spread rapidly throughout communities leaving a trail of death in its wake. Little was known about this virus, how it spread, or how to effectively treat those infected. But scientists were on the case! Working closely with communities effected by Ebola and doctors, scientists determined the virus spreads when infected body fluids, like blood, saliva, or mucus, enters a healthy person through cuts in the skin or through mucus membranes such as those found in the eyes, nose, or mouth. The best doctors could do was provide supportive care, but no cure. Survival was slim, but some people infected with Ebola virus did survive. Scientists wanted to know how these people survived. Through in vitro experiments using the blood of survivors, scientists isolated antibodies which were likely the reason these individuals survived. Although still feared, Ebola has met its match as scientists are close to finding effective therapeutics and even a vaccine! In Lesson 1: Activating Antibody Warriors to Fight Ebola Virus, students will engage in an activity that models the spread of Ebola (1A – It’s Contagious! The Spread of Infectious Disease), apply the 3D method to describe how graphs relay research findings (1B – Graphing: Determine, Decode, & Describe!), and apply new vocabulary terms to solve a puzzle (1C – EBOVocabulary Puzzle…Can You Solve It?).