"As the world becomes more connected, the threat of pandemics becomes more serious, and being informed about fast-spreading illnesses is more important now than ever before. Readers explore global diseases of the past and present, how modern outbreaks are controlled and treated, and how doctors and scientists are working to prevent pandemics in the future. In-depth sidebars, full-color photographs, annotated quotes from medical experts, and discussion questions highlight important topics and encourage readers to expand their critical thinking skills as they learn about public health policy and the social impacts of infectious diseases"--Provided by the publisher.

"Portions of this book originally appeared in Pandemics by Debra A. Miller."

Introduction: microorganisms: friend and foe -- A history of infectious disease -- Pandemics in the modern era -- Fighting pandemics -- The threat of future pandemics -- The future of global health.