Viral Pandemics

Written by a public health practitioner and a medical historian, Viral Epidemics explores the terrifying world of viruses as the cause of all acute pandemics since 1900, including the pandemic. The book illuminates the critical dual roles of viral biology and increasing global interconnectedness that have resulted in an escalating pandemic spiral. Viral Epidemics is the first book to focus exclusively on viral pandemics and the first to report the pandemic. In each chapter, the historiographic narrative follows the path of the virus from its original detection through its first appearance as the cause of disease, to its emergence as an explosive pandemic. Scientific information is presented in an accessible, straight-forward style in compelling narratives that introduce the extraordinary universe of diverse, opportunistic viruses whose remarkable capacities make them formidable adversaries. The book makes it clear that global viral disease challenges are a persistent reality with the potential to cause catastrophic loss of life and major social and economic damage. A summary chapter draws together lessons learned and develops a proposed multidisciplinary global response. Viral Epidemics is the only book that provides a complete historical narrative focused on viral epidemics. This comprehensive survey is designed for students and scholars in biology, epidemiology, public health, global history, and the history of medicine, as well as being of interest to the general reader.