Books in Deadly Diseases and Epidemics series

In 1999, a deadly strain of West Nile virus struck parts of the northeastern United States. Caused by a virus from the family Flaviridae, genus Flavivirus, the disease was common in Africa and the Middle East. Today, it can be found across North America, Europe, and Asia. West Nile can cause serious illness, and in severe cases, lead to encephalitis, a swelling of the brain, which can be fatal. This revised edition of West Nile Virus contains new illustrations and up-to-date information, and takes a look at the origins of this disease, how it is transmitted, how it is treated, and what measures are being taken to combat it. Updates to this edition include expanded information on West Nile virus strains and genetic sequencing of the virus, as well as the latest outbreak statistics and a section discussing recent efforts to create a West Nile virus vaccine. Chapters include:The West Nile Panic A Virus Transmitted by Mosquitoes How West Nile Virus Causes DiseaseDiagnosis and Treatment of West Nile VirusVaccines and Prevention.

Whooping cough is a serious infectious disease characterized by coughing fits so intense that the afflicted person has difficulty breathing. This disease is most serious in infants who are too young to be vaccinated and in young children who are unvaccinated. Whooping cough is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which destroys ciliated cells in the respiratory tract that naturally protect against infections. Whooping Cough looks at the disease's symptoms and transmission, history, vaccine, and recent research.Deadly diseases affect everyone. Although not all cases are fatal, each disease causes a degree of harm and discomfort to those whom it afflicts and sometimes can have long-lasting consequences. Each book in the series Deadly Diseases and Epidemics takes the reader through all aspects of a disease---from its history and causes or method of infection to its treatment and prevention. The books provide a foundation for understanding the basics of microbiology, immunology, and epidemiology.

Caused by a virus that is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, yellow fever gets its name for the jaundice it causes its victims. This hemorrhagic illness has plagued humans throughout history, and before the development of a yellow fever vaccine, the mortality rate from this disease was high. Tropical nations now prevent epidemic yellow fever levels through vaccination, and travelers to these areas are advised to take precautions. Yellow Fever explores both the historical and epidemiological aspects of this disease. Colorful photographs, maps, and illustrations provide important explanations of various aspects of yellow fever, and information on vaccination, treatment, prevention, and up-to-date statistics on worldwide incidences are provided. Chapters include:The American PlagueThe Impact of Disease on HistoryViral DiseasesYellow Fever Signs and SymptomsEpidemiologyDiagnosis, Treatment, and PreventionFuture Prospects of Controlling Yellow Fever.