Global Pandemics and Epidemics and How They Relate to You

When an infectious disease spreads rapidly to many people, it is known as an epidemic. The year 2014 marked the beginning of the West Africa Ebola epidemic, the largest in history when the World Health Organization (WHO) reported Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases in southeastern Guinea. If a disease outbreak occurs globally, it becomes a pandemic, which often is caused by a new virus that has not been in circulation among people for a long time and that spreads quickly from person to person. People have little to no immunity against it and it causes death in larger numbers.

Global Pandemics and Epidemics and How They Relate to You provides information about outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics and their related threats. It discusses the major epidemics, pandemics, and notable pseudopandemics that have threatened humankind over the years. It provides information about disease management, including various methods of detection, prevention, and treatment of several diseases. Steps taken by humankind to stay protected from any future outbreaks are provided, along with a glossary and directories of organizations.

This book is divided into parts, chapters, and sections. Parts focus on broad areas of interest. Chapters are devoted to single topics within a part.

Part I: Understanding Epidemics and Pandemics presents information about epidemics and pandemics, their history, and their occurrence in the United States and across the world. It also provides information about outbreaks, pandemic threats, and other major issues caused by bioterrorism.

Part II: Major Pandemics and Epidemics provides information about several of the deadliest outbreaks, including HIV/AIDS, chikungunya, cholera, Ebola, influenza, malaria, meningitis, Nipah virus infection, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)—related to the emerging 2020 coronavirus outbreak in China—smallpox, tuberculosis, yellow fever, and Zika.

Part III: Principles of Disease Management talks about the steps being taken to prevent the spread of epidemics. It provides insight into antimicrobial resistance and hospital-based infections. Disease detection, surveillance, and treatment are also discussed in detail.

Part IV: Additional Help and Information includes a glossary of terms associated with outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics, and a directory of organizations.