Petting zoo E. coli
May 14, 2001
Web posted at: 6:59 PM EDT (2259 GMT)
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Curriculum connections: Health-E. coli
After students read the CNNfyi.com article "CDC targets E. coli contamination at petting zoos," ask the following questions:
1. Who is Eileen Sweeney? What happened to her children following a trip to the petting zoo? What is E. coli? How do people contract this illness? What symptoms are associated with E. coli infection? What is being done to address this public health problem? Do you think these interventions will be effective in the long run? Discuss. Based upon the information in the article, would you feel comfortable going to a petting zoo? Why or why not?
2. Inform students that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "E. coli O157:H7 is one of hundreds of strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli. Although most strains are harmless and live in the intestines of healthy humans and animals, this strain produces a powerful toxin and can cause severe illness." Next, refer students to multimedia resources, including the links below, to learn more about E. coli and the different locations and sources of recent outbreaks throughout the world. After students present their information, have them assume the role of epidemiologists and identify patterns related to the spread of E. coli. Then, ask students to consider how this information might be used to control the spread of the deadly bacteria.
Extension:
Group students, and have them draw upon their knowledge of E. coli to create an informative brochure, audio tape or videotape to make the public aware of the dangers of E. coli and to provide common sense measures to protect themselves.
RELATED STORIES:
Better farming, new animal vaccines could mean safer food
September 11, 2000
CNNfyi Learning Adventure: Virus Encounters
RELATED SITES:
DBMD - Escherichia coli O157:H7 - General Information
Outbreaks of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Infections Among Children Associated With Farm Visits --- Pennsylvania and Washington, 2000
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