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Viruses and Epidemics in World History by Michael Oldstone
From the dawn of civilization, humanity has coexisted with invisible, deadly enemies—viruses. Smallpox claimed more lives than all the technological disasters and bloodiest wars of the 20th century combined. Yellow fever prevented Napoleon from building a colonial empire and nearly derailed the construction of the Panama Canal.
In this compelling work, virologist and professor Michael Oldstone draws on contemporary accounts of horrific epidemics and the scientists who fought them—the "microbe hunters." He reveals how deeply viruses have shaped human history. You'll discover stories of heroic physicians who developed vaccines against smallpox and yellow fever, overcoming social and religious prejudices, and the competition between polio vaccines that freed people from the fear of disability.
The book also addresses ongoing battles: hepatitis outbreaks caused by errors in blood donation collection, and the unfounded claim that the measles vaccine causes autism in children—which fueled fear and distrust toward medicine and government. Scientists continue to confront new threats that emerge suddenly, like from Pandora's box, reminding us that we take health for granted at our peril.
