2009 Salina Intermediate Teacher Technology Training Camp - Assignment 1: Norovirus Case Study

Case Study: Department of Public Health Virus Scare

Imagine that you work for the Department of Public Health in the city of Frankenmuth (Michigan). Frankenmuth is one of the top five tourist destinations in Michigan and many guests are scheduled to arrive this week. Your city is famous for having some of the best tasting chicken in the world! The city economy depends on having tourists shop in local stores, eat in restaurants, and stay in hotels.

Now …

It is 6:30 AM and you have just discovered that 30 citizens of Frankenmuth have come down with a norovirus and are in the hospital. A norovirus is a type of virus that causes people to become very sick. If there is an outbreak, anyone who comes in contact with someone with the virus may become seriously ill.

Your most important concern is to stop the virus from spreading.

Should you close the businesses and schools?

If you close the local businesses and schools, it may cause people to be alarmed and hurt the community’s tourism business. If you do not close the businesses and schools, people may get the virus and become seriously ill.

What should you tell citizens so that they can stay safe from the virus?

The mayor and chamber of commerce are meeting right now and only have a half an hour before the businesses open and tourists start shopping and visit restaurants. You will have do decide whether or not to close the businesses and schools and what you will need to tell the citizens of Frankenmuth.

Your task:

Using the option to comment, please respond to the following areas :

1. State your position. (Ex: We should/not close the businesses and schools)

2. Using data to support your position, describe why you should or should not close the businesses and schools.

3. Compile a list of important safety facts that citizens should do to stay safe from this norovirus.

Remember, you only have 30 minutes to complete this task!