Describes the field of epidemiology and its history, presenting historical and modern case studies and biological explanations of some diseases and a discussion of the microbes most likely to be used by bioterrorists.

Updated to include new section on bioterrorism.

Foreword -- Introduction -- 1. Epidemiology: the study of disease -- 2. A closer Look at microbes -- 3. Great plagues of history: bubonic plague, smallpox, and anthrax -- 4. From the Tropics to the Tundra: malaria, influenza, and diphtheria -- 5. Modern killers: Legionnaire's disease, ebola, and muerto canyon virus -- 6. AIDS: the modern pandemic -- 7. Ongoing battles -- 8. Bioterrorism -- Conclusion: epidemiology and the future -- Glossary -- For further reading -- Index.