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Outbreak!

The Diagnosis and Transmission of SARS and MERS Coronaviruses

By Samuel C. Cohler, Dania V. Corrales, Nicholas E. Kreusser, Darin Ngo, Rishi S. Gadepally, Lesly I. Benitez, Sarah Ahmad, Janerys D.M. Munoz, Andrea C. Nicholas

Outbreak!


 

Abstract

This case study uses a PowerPoint presentation to guide students through two activities designed to teach them about the basics of coronavirus diagnosis and transmission. The first activity involves a set of five “clicker questions” that students answer using either a personal response system, online polling application, or show of hands as they consider symptoms and test results of a hypothetical patient. The second activity is an outbreak simulation in which students consider the spread of a pathogen in various geographical settings and from different perspectives. Students work together to draft a list of precautions that could be taken to limit the spread of the disease and minimize healthy individuals’ risk of contracting it. The simulation is designed for a biology lesson pertaining to outbreaks. Although coronavirus is used as the model, the concepts of disease transmission and prevention covered in this case are relevant to many diseases.

   

Date Posted

03/09/2020

Overview

Objectives

  • Characterize the first cases of coronaviruses and their outbreak history.
  • Recognize the signs, symptoms, and tests required to diagnose for coronavirus.
  • Explain how coronavirus is spread by human contact.
  • Describe how a virus can “jump” between species.
  • Explain how hygiene measures can mitigate the spread of coronavirus.
  • Formulate proposals to respond to global outbreaks informed by the in-class simulation and presentation on the CDC’s methods.
  • Acknowledge difficulties of diagnosing viral diseases.

Keywords

Coronavirus; SARS; MERS; outbreak; card game; simulation; diagnosis; transmission; risk factors;

  

Subject Headings

Biology (General)
Physiology
Science (General)

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division

  

FORMAT

PDF, PowerPoint

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Clicker, Role-Play

 

 

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