Includes bibliographical references (pages 114-118) and index
Science of epidemics: Evolution of epidemics / Arno Karlen -- Threat of epidemics today / Hilary French -- Tracking an epidemic / Joseph B. McCormick and Susan Fisher-Hoch -- Disastrous epidemics: Plague of Athens / Thucydides -- Great plague of London / Thomas Vincent -- Spanish flu epidemic of 1918 / Lynette Iezzoni -- Bloody Death: Ebola Fever / Nancy Gibbs -- Aids in Zambia / Jan Goodwin -- Preventing and controlling epidemics: Preparing for epidemics in the United States / David Perlin and Ann Cohen -- Tracking epidemics on the Internet / Gary Taubes -- Strategy for global infectious disease surveillance / World health organization -- Plan to fight smallpox / Geoffrey Cowley
Discusses the many aspects of epidemics throughout history including, specific outbreaks, causes, responses, and current preventative measures. Epidemics of infectious disease can spread like forest fires, killing thousands within weeks. This anthology presents firsthand accounts of some of the greatest epidemics of all time; it also describes what causes epidemics, why they are a threat today, and how scientists track them and attempt to prevent or stop them