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A leading epidemiologist shares his "powerful and necessary" stories from the front lines of our war on infectious diseases and explains how to prepare for global epidemics (Richard Preston, author of The Hot Zone ).

Unlike natural disasters, whose destruction is concentrated in a limited area over a period of days, and illnesses, which have devastating effects but are limited to individuals and their families, infectious disease has the terrifying power to disrupt everyday life on a global scale, overwhelming public and private resources and bringing trade and transportation to a grinding halt.
In today's world, it's easier than ever to move people, animals, and materials around the planet, but the same advances that make modern infrastructure so efficient have made epidemics and even pandemics nearly inevitable. And as outbreaks of COVID-19, Ebola, MERS, and Zika have demonstrated, we are woefully underprepared to deal with the fallout. So what can -- and must -- we do in order to protect ourselves from mankind's deadliest enemy?
Drawing on the latest medical science, case studies, policy research, and hard-earned epidemiological lessons, Deadliest Enemy explores the resources and programs we need to develop if we are to keep ourselves safe from infectious disease. The authors show how we could wake up to a reality in which many antibiotics no longer cure, bioterror is a certainty, and the threat of a disastrous influenza or coronavirus pandemic looms ever larger. Only by understanding the challenges we face can we prevent the unthinkable from becoming the inevitable.

Deadliest Enemy is high scientific drama, a chronicle of medical mystery and discovery, a reality check, and a practical plan of action.

Reseñas proporcionadas por Syndetics

Library Journal Review

In the wake of recent outbreaks, including Ebola, MERS, and Zika, it seems important to be more aware of diseases and how they spread in order to combat hysteria. Coauthors Osterholm (McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair, public health, Univ. of Minnesota) and Olshaker, a documentary filmmaker, argue that whatever can be done to prevent the spread of these infectious diseases must be done, and that it is far more important to be proactive rather than reactive when fighting such illnesses. Diseases are also discussed in terms of how they are spread, whether it's through the water supply or by pests such as mosquitoes. An entire educational chapter about mosquitoes and their role in the advancement of several major diseases is informative. This book covers both ancient and recent epidemics throughout the world, using real cases from history and Osterholm's own experiences as examples to illustrate his point. Some illnesses are expected, including the aforementioned Zika, and others less so, including a very interesting chapter on Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) that sheds light on the tampon industry and just how dangerous TSS can be. -VERDICT Anyone concerned about recent medical crises will want to pick up this clearly written, compellingly readable work. [See Prepub Alert, 9/19/16.]-Caitlin Kenney, -Niagara Falls P.L, NY © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly Review

Infectious disease remains humankind's deadliest enemy and the future looks bleak, according to epidemiologist Osterholm and documentarian Olshaker. They lead with a dismal introduction on the threat of epidemics before delivering an absorbing account of how epidemiologists work and a disturbing description of what humans are doing to keep them in business. In the book's early chapters, the authors relate how epidemiologists have dealt with previous epidemics (AIDS, Ebola, SARS) and achieved a few triumphs (against smallpox and toxic shock), but they largely look ahead. Expanding populations are wiping out jungles and eating its wildlife, encountering new microorganisms and animal-borne diseases in addition to the old ones. Global warming is a bonanza for mosquito-borne infections such as malaria, dengue, and yellow fever. Influenza-from birds and domestic animals-produced the 20th century's worst epidemic, and humans are more vulnerable to it today. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are poised to spur a looming disaster, with superbugs heralding a "postantibiotic" era within decades. This is a convincing call to arms, among the best of a stream of similar warnings published recently. Urging political leaders to pay greater attention, the authors agree with prior warnings that matters will get worse without vastly more planning, research, and money. Agent: Frank Weimann, Folio Literary. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Booklist Review

Infectious disease is the deadliest enemy faced by all of humankind. Indeed, no nation, no individual is impervious to the might of pathogenic microbes. AIDS, Ebola, malaria, SARS, toxic shock syndrome, Zika, and TB are just a sampling of the many infectious diseases addressed by Osterholm (an epidemiologist and public-health official) and Olshaker (an author and documentary filmmaker). Epidemiologists function as disease detectives, carefully observing and following the clues. Public-health officials are strategists striving to prevent (or minimize) early or unnecessary disease, disability, and deaths. Foresight and preparation are mandatory in managing outbreaks of contagious diseases. The authors consider antibiotics (the need for new ones, better stewardship of current ones, and problems with resistant bacteria); vaccines (essential and game changing); mosquitoes (dubbed Public Health Enemy Number One); and bioterrorism (anthrax, smallpox, and plague can all be weaponized). Deserved attention is bestowed upon influenza, which remains a major global-health concern. When sound science and wise health policy come together, an ounce of prevention truly is worth not merely a pound but a ton of cure.--Miksanek, Tony Copyright 2017 Booklist

Notas de autor provistas por Syndetics

Michael T. Osterholm, Ph.D., M.P.H., is the former Minnesota State Epidemiologist in Chief. The recipient of multiple honors & awards, he has led several successful investigations into infectious disease outbreaks of global importance. He is also Adjunct Professor, Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota.

(Bowker Author Biography)