Mystery Illness Webquest

Process Step 1

READ THE STORY BELOW AND PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL. THE REST OF THE WEBQUEST WILL REVOLVE AROUND THIS STORY. AFTER YOU HAVE READ THE STORY DISCUSS YOUR INITIAL REACTIONS.

The story goes like this...

On Saturday, July 14 at 3p.m. a welcome back party was planned for James Johnson. James' family hosted the party for all his friends and family. He had been an exchange student in Brazil for nine months and had finally returned home to the farm. James was so happy to be back and was excited to see everyone. James helped his mom in the kitchen all day, preparing the food that would be served that evening. His family is ecstatic to have him home after they spent many nights worried about him, because James had become very ill in the first month of his stay due to drinking contaminated water. They had been waiting for this day for many months.

At three o'clock the James' family and friends begin to arrive. When everyone had arrived they sat down for a meal that included all of James' favorite foods from the farm. The meal consisted of cheeseburgers, potato salad, fresh fruits and vegetables straight from the garden. They also had deviled eggs compliments of the Johnson's hens, farm fresh milk, and warm apple pie. The party went very well and everyone enjoyed their day at the Johnson's farm.

Seven to 10 days after the party many people started getting sick. Most of the people, all over the age of 12, that became ill started experiencing abdominal pain, general weakness, rash, and headaches. They also had bloody stools and high fevers.

At this point the county decided to call you, an illness investigator, in to solve the mystery illness.

Continue to Process 2.