The 1st New Disease of the 21st Century

By Otto Sanchez

Abstract

This case study uses a PowerPoint (~1MB) combined with role-playing to present the epidemiology and pathophysiology of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Students learn about the etiology and pathophysiology of the disease, and then argue different health professionals' perspectives on a plan of action for dealing with its consequences. Developed for a pathophysiology course for undergraduates, the case could also be used in a microbiology course or in a course in public or international health.

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Date Posted

06/01/2005

Overview

Objectives

Describe the beginning, spread, etiology, and pathophysiology of SARS.
Differentiate the virological features of coronaviruses from other microorganisms.
Understand the significance of geography in health and predict the impact of international diseases.
Argue different health professional perspectives about one disease.
Plan actions to take when confronted with a new severe contagious respiratory disease.
Defend their stance regarding traveling to areas with infectious outbreaks.

Keywords

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome; SARS; respiratory disease; infectious disease; contagious disease; contagion; virus; viral infection; coronavirus; pandemic; Foshan City; Guangdong Province; China; Toronto; Canada

Subject Headings

Epidemiology

Medicine (General)

Microbiology

Public Health

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division

FORMAT

PDF, PowerPoint

TOPICAL AREAS

Policy issues, Social issues

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Interrupted, Role-Play