Severe acute respiratory syndrome, known as SARS, was first reported in Asia in 2003, after a Chinese-American businessman died from a mysterious illness. Soon, many of the people who had treated this man became sick with the same respiratory symptoms. SARS quickly spread across Southeast Asia and China, and caused widespread fear of a global epidemic when it reached Toronto, Canada. In all, more than 8,000 people became ill, and nearly 800 died. Although SARS was quickly contained, future outbreaks remain a threat.
Plague has erupted periodically throughout most of human history. The plague bacterium, Yersinia pestis, is transmitted by fleas found on many common mammals and through the air as victims develop respiratory symptoms and suffer from coughing spells. This easy transmission has made plague responsible for some of the highest death rates from any epidemic disease in history. "Plague, Second Edition" examines the disease from an epidemiological perspective.
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly known as mad cow disease, is becoming an increasing concern as tainted beef has caused deadly outbreaks of the disease around the world.
A common viral infection, herpes, in its different forms, can produce cold sores and fever blisters on the mouth or genital sores. Although herpes cannot be cured, there are many treatment options available today to prevent its outbreaks and decrease its associated discomforts.
Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease, is curable with antibiotic treatment. Its dangerous effects can be prevented if it is identified and treated early in its development.
