"I found this book a refreshingly broad-based read which tackles the enormously diverse range of factors
influencing the emerging microbial threats to health, and also considers methods of detecting such threats and
their control . . . . the recommendations made throughout the book apply equally well to [the U.K.] . . . ."
--Journal of Medical Microbiology
". . . an impressive 294-page document that should be heeded by all who are concerned with the future health
of the United States."
--American Journal of Epidemiology
"I would recommend this book as a good reference for a hospital or a residency library. The bibliography and
list of public health organizations alone make it a worthwhile resource at just $34.95."
--Family Medicine
". . . this book is well-presented, lucid and accurate, with very thorough editing . . . . the body of the
book should appeal to all students of microbiology, whatever their ages."
--Society for General Microbiology Quarterly
National Academy Press Web Site, November, 2000
Summary
The emergence of HIV disease and AIDS, the reemergence of tuberculosis, and the increased opportunity for disease
spread through international travel demonstrate the critical importance of global vigilance for infectious diseases.
This volume highlights risk factors for the emergence of microbial threats to health, warns against complacency
in public health, and promotes early prevention as a cost-effective and crucial strategy for maintaining public
health in the United States and worldwide.
The volume identifies infectious disease threats posed by bacteria and viruses, as well as protozoans, helminths,
and fungi. Rich in information, it includes a historical perspective on infectious disease, with focuses on Lyme
disease, peptic ulcer, malaria, dengue, and recent increases in tuberculosis.
\The panel discusses how "new" diseases arise and how "old" ones resurge and considers the
roles of human demographics and behavior, technology and industry, economic development and land use, international
travel and commerce, microbial adaptation and change, and breakdown of public health measures in changing patterns
of infectious disease.
Also included are discussions and recommendations on disease surveillance; vaccine, drug, and pesticide development;
vector control; public education and behavioral change; research and training; and strengthening of the U.S. public
health system.
This volume will be of immediate interest to scientists specializing in all areas of infectious dieseases and microbiology,
healthy policy specialists, public health officials, physicians, and medical faculty and students, as well as anyone
interested in how their health can be threatened by infectious diseases.
Table of Contents
BACKGROUND
Plague
Influenza
Optimism and Indifference
Trouble Ahead
Next Steps
FACTORS IN EMERGENCE
The Concept of Emergence
Human Demographics and Behavior
Technology and Industry
Economic Development and Land Use
International Travel and Commerce
Microbial Adaptation and Change
Breakdown of Public Health Measures
ADDRESSING THE THREATS
Recognition
Intervention
REFERENCES
APPENDIXES
A Task Forces
B Catalog of Emerging Infectious Disease Agents
C Global Resources for Infectious Disease Surveillance
D Committee and Staff Biographies
