Defining Documents in World History: Plagues, Pandemics, and Public Health

Plagues and pandemics have significantly impacted global history, causing immense suffering and loss of life but also driving advances in public health, medicine, scientific research, and the arts. This two-volume set covers a range of diseases and disasters.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 600 pages
\n Publication date: 30 December 2020
\n Publisher: H.W. Wilson Publishing Co.
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Plagues and pandemics have been a significant part of global history, ranging from the biblical "plague of locusts" to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These unchecked diseases and disasters have caused immense human suffering and loss of life, but they have also played a crucial role in shaping our societies. The challenges posed by these crises have driven advancements in public health, medicine, scientific research, and the arts. Survivors of these events have often been the driving force behind these advancements, as they have been compelled to find innovative solutions to combat the diseases and improve their lives.

This two-volume set, spanning over 1,000 pages, provides comprehensive coverage of various plagues and pandemics throughout history. It includes detailed accounts of the Black Death, smallpox, the plague, malaria, typhoid, polio, SARS, AIDS, and COVID-19, among others. Each chapter explores the historical context, symptoms, impact, and scientific breakthroughs associated with these diseases.

The Black Death, which occurred in the 14th century, was one of the most devastating pandemics in human history. It caused widespread death and social upheaval, leading to changes in economic and social structures. The plague, which occurred in the 16th and 17th centuries, was another major pandemic that affected Europe and Asia. It was caused by bacteria and led to severe symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and black spots on the skin.

Smallpox, which was eradicated in 1980, was another highly infectious disease that caused severe symptoms and high mortality rates. The disease was spread through contact with infected individuals and led to widespread outbreaks. Malaria, which is still prevalent in many parts of the world, is caused by a mosquito-borne parasite and affects millions of people each year. It causes fever, chills, and severe symptoms that can lead to death.

Typhoid, which is caused by bacteria and is still prevalent in some parts of the world, is a serious disease that can cause fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It can be fatal if not treated properly. Polio, which was eradicated in the United States in 1955, is a viral disease that affects the nervous system and can cause paralysis. It is spread through contact with infected individuals and can lead to permanent disability.

SARS, which emerged in 2003, was a highly contagious respiratory disease that affected thousands of people in Asia and North America. It was caused by a virus and led to severe symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. AIDS, which is caused by the HIV virus, is a chronic disease that affects the immune system and can lead to severe symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and opportunistic infections.

COVID-19, which emerged in 2019, is a novel coronavirus that has caused a global pandemic. It has caused widespread illness and death, and has led to significant changes in our daily lives. The disease is spread through respiratory droplets and can lead to severe symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

The impact of plagues and pandemics has been far-reaching. They have caused immense human suffering and loss of life, but they have also led to scientific breakthroughs and social changes. For example, the Black Death led to the development of modern medicine and public health practices, while the plague and smallpox led to the development of vaccines and antiviral treatments.

In conclusion, plagues and pandemics have been a significant part of global history, causing immense human suffering and loss of life. However, they have also played a crucial role in shaping our societies and driving advancements in public health, medicine, scientific research, and the arts. This two-volume set provides a comprehensive overview of various plagues and pandemics throughout history, and highlights the impact and contributions of survivors and medical professionals in combating these diseases.

\n Weight: 1914g\n
Dimension: 212 x 266 x 51 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781642657333\n \n