Meera Senthilingam

This year I’ve decided to make epidemics and pandemics one of my topics to read about. (I’m sure you can understand why. For me, knowledge is power). I came across this succinct book in a local bookshop, one of a series called ‘Hot Science’. (There are some other cool titles in the series, such as big data, behavioural economics and gene editing). It’s a great idea to get your head around new topics and learn about science in an interesting way. I’m sure this won’t be the last book I read in the series.

Outbreaks and Epidemics is not just about COVID-19. In fact, the majority of the book is about other epidemics and pandemics, from SARS to Ebola to monkeypox. Don’t think you’re getting a book entirely about COVID-19 – we are living that book now! What’s great about this book is that it doesn’t take a purely scientific look at infectious diseases and epidemics but it involves the responses and politics involved. I felt this was a great idea as it explains how different countries respond to infectious threats and why they may not act as the public expects. The book also touched on some different diseases that haven’t been covered by other infectious disease books I’ve read this year, such as monkeypox and Guinea worm (don’t read this section while eating). I would have liked to know more, but this book isn’t designed for that. (Who knows, it might be covered by other infectious diseases in my pile to read!)

The book is easy to read if you’re not a scientist. The author explains concepts really well. If you are a scientist, you will still learn things and other parts will be a good refresher. I think overall Outbreaks and Epidemics helps the reader to realise that COVID-19 is just one pandemic in a long line, and it won’t be the last either.

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