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BIOL 3860 / 5860 Contagion Film Questions Who is patient zero in terms of the outbreak in the United States? Were there other human spillover hosts affected by this virus? What other countries were affected by their travel after becoming infected? Why did her husband not get infected? What was the role of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) in the film? Do you feel they have played the same role in the outbreak of COVID- 19? Why or why not? Describe the initial efforts used to control the spread of the virus in the film in the United States. What is the name of the worldwide organization (full name) that deals with the outbreak? What role did social media play in the outbreak? Describe both the positives and negatives. What was the name of the fictional virus? What actual virus that we discussed in class this term seems to be similar to the fictional virus?
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Step 1:
: Identifying Patient Zero and Other Affected Spillover Hosts

In the movie Contagion, patient zero in terms of the outbreak in the United States is a woman who contracts a novel virus during a business trip to China. There were other human spillover hosts affected by this virus, as it originated in bats and then spread to pigs before infecting humans.

Step 2:
: Explanation for the Husband's Non-infection

The husband did not get infected because he had immunity to the virus due to prior exposure to a similar strain, as revealed in the movie.

Step 3:
: Role of the CDC in the Film and COVID- 19

In the film, the CDC plays a crucial role in identifying the virus, developing a vaccine, and managing communication with the public. In reality, the CDC has played a similar role during the COVID- 19 pandemic, providing updates on the virus, recommending safety measures, and coordinating vaccine development.

Step 4:
: Initial Efforts to Control the Spread of the Virus

The initial efforts used to control the spread of the virus in the film in the United States included contact tracing, isolating infected individuals, and implementing social distancing measures.

Step 5:
: Name of the Worldwide Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO) is the worldwide organization that deals with the outbreak in the film.

Step 6:
: Role of Social Media

Social media played a significant role in the outbreak, both positively and negatively. On the positive side, it helped disseminate information quickly and allowed people to stay connected during the pandemic. However, it also contributed to the spread of misinformation and panic.

Step 7:
: Name of the Fictional Virus and Similar Real Virus

The fictional virus in the movie is called the MEV- 1 virus. The closest real-world counterpart discussed in class is the Nipah virus, which also originates in bats and can infect humans and pigs.

Final Answer

Patient zero in the United States was a woman who contracted the MEV- 1 virus during a business trip to China. Her husband did not get infected due to prior exposure to a similar strain. The CDC played a crucial role in managing the outbreak, similar to their role during the COVID- 19 pandemic. Initial efforts to control the spread of the virus included contact tracing, isolating infected individuals, and implementing social distancing measures. The World Health Organization was the worldwide organization that dealt with the outbreak. Social media played a significant role in the outbreak, with both positive and negative impacts. The closest real-world counterpart to the MEV- 1 virus is the Nipah virus.