Concerns Grow About Risks of Bird Flu in U.S.
Ask students: When and Where did bird flu start showing up in mammals in the U.S.? Why are officials concerned about spread from birds to mammals?
There is growing concern about the continuing spread of the highly contagious bird flu in the U.S. While federal health officials say the risk to humans is low, the virus has now spread to dairy cattle and sickened one person. William Brangham discussed more with Jennifer Nuzzo of the Pandemic Center at Brown University’s School of Public Health.
View the transcript of the story.
Discussion Questions
- What is the avian flu or bird flu?
- Who is Jennifer Nuzzo, and what is her background?
- When and where did bird flu start showing up in mammals in the U.S.?
- Why are officials concerned about spread from birds to mammals?
- How has bird flu affected livestock like chickens in recent years?
Focus Questions
Based on the response in the U.S. to the COVID pandemic, how do you think public officials should be trying to manage outbreak of the bird flu, both in terms of policy and messaging to the public?
Media literacy: This story includes caution that bird flu does not currently represent a threat to humans. Why, then, do you think this story is newsworthy or worth exploring?
Extension Activity
Read the NewsHour article, "Texas patient diagnosed with bird flu after contact with cows presumed to be infected." Then discuss:
- What do you think are some ways to prevent humans from becoming infected by coming into contact with livestock like cows?
- What actions are health officials taking in light of bird flu spread to a human? Do you think other actions should be taken?
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
Advertisement
