©(AP Photo/Andres Kudacki, file)
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- vigilance /VIJ-uh-luhns/
- deterioration /dih-teer-ee-uh-REY-shuhn/
- vulnerable /VUHL-ner-uh-buhl/
- diagnostic /dahy-uhg-NOS-tik/
- complacency /kuhm-PLEY-suhn-see/
[noun] – careful attention to possible danger or problems
The security team maintained strict vigilance during the international summit.
[noun] – the process of becoming worse
Experts are concerned about the deterioration of coral reefs due to climate change.
[adjective] – likely to be harmed or affected by something
The elderly are especially vulnerable during heatwaves.
[adjective] – used to identify a disease or problem
The hospital purchased new diagnostic equipment to detect heart conditions.
[noun] – a feeling of being too satisfied with oneself or a situation, leading to a lack of awareness of danger
Public complacency can slow down emergency responses during natural disasters.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Health authorities in the United States have issued renewed warnings about the H5N1 bird flu virus, emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance. Although new human cases have sharply declined since early 2024, experts remain concerned about the lack of recent testing and monitoring. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the most recent infections in February 2025, with earlier reports linking most cases to workers on dairy and poultry farms. California, once considered a hotspot, recorded 38 confirmed cases but none after January 14. According to CDC data, only one person passed away from the virus, and most individuals experienced mild symptoms. Despite the apparent decrease in cases, experts believe the virus remains a threat, particularly to farmworkers who may hesitate to report symptoms due to immigration-related fears or reduced access to medical care.
While health officials suggest that seasonal migration patterns of wild birds may explain the current decline, others point to a deterioration in monitoring systems. Experts argue that mild infections could be going undetected, especially in vulnerable populations. Reports of resignations and staff reductions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration have raised concerns about reduced diagnostic capabilities. Furthermore, ongoing studies by Texas A&M University and the University of Maryland aim to better understand human and animal exposure, particularly in dairy workers and domestic cats. According to recent findings, over 120 cats in the U.S. have been infected — some were fatally infected. Researchers stress the need for comprehensive surveillance and emphasize that complacency could undermine preparedness for a possible future outbreak.
While health officials suggest that seasonal migration patterns of wild birds may explain the current decline, others point to a deterioration in monitoring systems. Experts argue that mild infections could be going undetected, especially in vulnerable populations. Reports of resignations and staff reductions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration have raised concerns about reduced diagnostic capabilities. Furthermore, ongoing studies by Texas A&M University and the University of Maryland aim to better understand human and animal exposure, particularly in dairy workers and domestic cats. According to recent findings, over 120 cats in the U.S. have been infected — some were fatally infected. Researchers stress the need for comprehensive surveillance and emphasize that complacency could undermine preparedness for a possible future outbreak.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever heard news about bird flu or other viruses before? If yes, what did you learn from it? If not, what do you want to know about it?
- Have you ever had to stay home or take precautions because of a virus? If yes, what did you do? If not, what would you do if a new virus spread in your area?
- Do you agree that farmworkers should receive more support and access to healthcare during virus outbreaks?
- Why do you think some workers might be afraid to report symptoms of illness?
- How can countries prepare better for future virus outbreaks?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- infection
- virus
- symptom
- medical care
- health official