Emerging Epidemics: The Menace of New Infections

by Madeline Drexler

As timely as it is urgent, the well-researched book from veteran science journalist Madeline Drexler delivers a compelling report about today's most ominous infections disease threats. Focusing on a different danger in each chapter-from the looming risk of lethal influenza to in-depth information on the public health perils posed by bioterrorism-Drexler takes readers straight to the front lines, where scientists are racing to catch nearly invisible adversaries superior in speed and guile. Drawing on a powerful combination of fresh research and surprising history, she warns us that the most ceaselessly creative bioterrorist is still Mother Nature, whose microbial operatives are all around us, ready to ounce whenever conditions are right.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Health

316 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Mason Schaubroeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book “Emerging Epidemics” by Madeline Drexler is a thrilling compilation of many experiences and scary stories about the invasion of alien microbes into the human environment. The book includes experiences about mosquito infestations spreading malaria, ranging to things like E. Coli that has infected sprouts that have been shipped across the world. The book clearly separates itself into individual sections about each of these experiences that you can easily skip to if you want to read about something specifically.

I absolutely loved this book. It’s highly educational so you can read it to expand your knowledge about infectious microbes. It puts information into a way that is a lot less threatening to people of lower knowledge levels on this topic but it is still able to teach professionals a couple of things about microbes. This book certainly isn’t for everyone though, I would recommend it to people wanting to learn new things as it could confuse anyone trying to read for fun. Overall this book was enjoyable and did it’s job of educating me on microbes. I will probably end up reading this book again.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this after this summer's "Global Disease" class. And then I discovered that I actually had two copies of this book on my shelves, because apparently I've long thought it would be a good idea to read it. I'm glad I did read it, even if it's a little dated at this point, in that science changes, we've got new information and there are new things (Covid, anyone?) that aren't covered for obvious reasons. The pace is brisk, the stories compelling, the science clearly explained. From insects to infection, the book held my attention and taught me a few new things.

[Lisa Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good, and timely, read. It’s a reminder that we need to put a lot more funding into our public health departments at the local level. Those physicians will be the ones to detect unusual diseases, or clusters of diseases, early. As evidenced today, we are sadly unprepared as a country for any sort of pandemic or bioterrorism.

[Alyssa Ehni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts of it were really good, and others lost my attention through the addition of what felt like extraneous information.

[Wendi Lau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as riveting as "Hot Zone", but really interesting nonetheless. That ordinary ailments like stomach ulcers, breast tumors, and heart disease are linked to bacterial infections is fascinating! I didn't know that rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. After reading about the agent present in cat poop and its effects I am SO glad not to have a cat anymore. Glad my pregnant sister doesn't have one any longer either.

One more alarming fact: AIDS is on its way to killing more people than the 1918 Spanish Flu! Americans have taken their eye off this risk of unprotected sex. With a mortality rate of 1/3 to 2/3 in poorer, highly afflicted countries, the HIV is not yet an agent under global control.

Now I want to reread "Hot Zone"!

[Fishface · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good read -- by far the scariest of the killer microbiota books. Manages to be utterly dispassionate, scientifically precise, AND very wide-ranging. Features the best discussion I have ever read of flu.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book about the ever-present danger of infectious disease. It is understandable enough for the layperson, but has enough detail to appease those familiar with the topic. The writing is clear and concise, and even complex concepts are presented well. Aces!

[Pa Houa Moua · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very informational. I had to read it for a class and I thought Drexler pulled many good sources into the chapters. It was frightening to read because she mentions that our lifestyles, environment, and our food all contribute to disease and how easily someone can catch an infection.

[Margie Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely will use in class this spring. Language is challenging for some of my students but most should be able to use it without difficulty.

[Phebe Idol · Rating 4 out of 5]

So informative!

[Stephie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping book.

[Alexia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great info, the tone it's delivered in seems a bit much sometimes though.