epidemics

"A sweeping look at how the major transformations in history-from the rise of Homo sapiens to the birth of capitalism-have been shaped not by humans but by germs. According to the accepted narrative of progress, humans have thrived thanks to their brains and brawn, collectively bending the arc of history. But in this revelatory book, professor Jonathan Kennedy argues that the myth of human exceptionalism overstates the role that we play in social and political change. Instead, it is the humble microbe that wins wars and topples empires. Drawing on the latest research in fields ranging from genetics and anthropology to archaeology and economics, Pathogenesis takes us through 60,000 years of history, exploring eight major outbreaks of infectious disease that have made the modern world. Bacteria and viruses were protagonists in the demise of the Neanderthals, the growth of Islam, the transition from feudalism to capitalism, the devastation wrought by European colonialism, and the evolution of the United States from an imperial backwater to a global superpower"--Provided by publisher.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has completely altered the way people participate in society. Some of these changes are temporary, while others may end up being permanent. While children have certainly heard the word, they may struggle to understand exactly how a pandemic affects them specifically as well as society at large . . . A list of age-appropriate ways to get involved give young readers a sense of agency to combat feelings of helplessness that often accompany major world events"--Provided by publisher.

"Breathless is the story of SARS-CoV-2 and its fierce journey through the human population, as seen by the scientists who study its origin, its ever-changing nature, and its capacity to kill us. David Quammen expertly shows how strange new viruses emerge from animals into humans as we disrupt wild ecosystems, and how those viruses adapt to their human hosts, sometimes causing global catastrophe. He explains why this coronavirus will probably be a 'forever virus,' destined to circulate among humans and bedevil us endlessly, in one variant form or another. As scientists labor to catch it, comprehend it, and control it, with their high-tech tools and methods, the virus finds ways of escape. Based on interviews with nearly one hundred scientists, including leading virologists in China and around the world, Quammen explains that: Infectious disease experts saw this pandemic coming; Some scientists, for more than two decades, warned that 'the next big one' could be caused by a changeable new virus--very possibly a coronavirus--but such warnings were ignored for political or economic reasons; The precise origins of this virus may not be known for years, but some clues are compelling, and some suppositions can be dismissed; And much more. Breathless takes you inside the frantic international effort to understand and control SARS-CoV-2 as if we were peering over the shoulders of the brilliant scientists who led the chase"--From the publisher's web site.

"Claire is a junior in high school when a worldwide pandemic strikes, and she's in the epicenter of it all in New York City. Suddenly, Claire is forced to isolate with her family indefinitely, which means she won't be able to see her friends or even her girlfriend, Vanessa, in person for a long time. That's when she looks outside her bedroom window and notices something new: A girl who lives in the building across the street sitting on her fire escape. So Claire starts writing a story online about a girl who falls for the girl across the street. To Claire's surprise, the story goes viral-and it seems people think it's true. But how true is true? And what if Vanessa finds out? Will Claire be able to manage her newfound internet fame before everything spirals out of control?"--Provided by publisher.

"Having originated in East Asia, a new strain of influenza became known among public health officials as the Asian flu. After having spread across East Asia, the virus reached India in June 1957. By the end of that month, the densely populated country was contending with over 1 million cases of the novel influenza virus. Throughout the summer, the pandemic spread across North America, South America, Europe, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. In the months that followed, the world was faced with the second worst influenza pandemic of the 20th century. The Asian flu killed an estimated 1.1 million to 2 million"--Provided by publisher.

This title examines viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa with a focus on SARS-COV2, the virus that causes COVID-19, from its beginnings in China to its worldwide spread and efforts to find a cure including vaccines, plasma therapy, and antiviral medications. A list of healthy habits is included to help readers prevent COVID-19.

"The floating smell of death hangs over the island. What is it? A strange, legged fish appears on the scene ... So begins Tadashi and Kaori's spiral into the horror and stench of the sea"--OCLC.

"Looks at how the [COVID-19] pandemic affected various aspects of daily life. Changes to work, school, entertainment, and more have influenced the younger generations living through them, and these shifts could last far into the future"--Provided by publisher.

Best friends Parisa Naficy and Gabriela Gonzales grapple with the complexities of their relationship even while they spend their senior year apart due to a pandemic that disproportionately affects young people.

"Epidemiologists, often called 'disease detectives,' have the benefit of advanced technologies to help them track infections. Scientists are able to uncover and understand the causes of disease, thereby saving untold millions of lives. [This book explores the topic of epidemiology]"--Provided by publisher.