Monitoring the Health of Populations by Tracking Disease Outbreaks: Saving Humanity from the Next Plague

The book "Monitoring the Health of Populations by Tracking Disease Outbreaks: Saving Humanity from the Next Plague" discusses the importance of statistics in disease detection and tracking, including surveillance techniques for communicable and chronic diseases. It highlights the roles of epidemiologists and biostatisticians in combating outbreaks and improving public health.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 21 February 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a significant challenge to governments and health organizations worldwide in their efforts to contain the virus. This outbreak, unlike any seen in developed countries since the 1918 Spanish Flu, has had devastating health and economic impacts. The success of the public health community, including epidemiologists and biostatisticians, in identifying and mitigating disease outbreaks has been instrumental in preventing more widespread occurrences.

Monitoring the Health of Populations by Tracking Disease Outbreaks: Saving Humanity from the Next Plague is a comprehensive book that explores the application of statistics for disease detection and tracking. The work of public health officials often relies heavily on statistical methods to determine whether an outbreak is occurring and, if confirmed, to locate and track it. Statisticians also play a crucial role in collecting critical information and analyzing the data to help investigators identify the cause of a disease.

With the recent outbreaks of diseases such as swine and bird flu, Ebola, and now COVID-19, the role of epidemiologists and biostatisticians has become even more critical. These professionals use advanced statistical techniques and data analysis to identify patterns, trends, and risk factors associated with disease outbreaks. This information is then used to develop effective strategies for prevention, control, and containment.

The book discusses the crucial roles of statistics in early disease detection. It outlines the concepts and methods of disease surveillance, including surveillance techniques for communicable diseases like Zika and chronic diseases such as cancer. Real-world examples of disease investigations, including smallpox, syphilis, anthrax, yellow fever, and microcephaly, are provided to illustrate the importance of statistical methods in disease control.

Through the process of identifying an outbreak, finding its cause, and developing a plan to prevent its reoccurrence, this book aims to provide valuable insights into disease surveillance and control. It serves as a resource for public health professionals, researchers, and policymakers seeking to improve their understanding of the role of statistics in disease prevention and management.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of the public health community, including epidemiologists and biostatisticians, in disease detection and tracking. Monitoring the Health of Populations by Tracking Disease Outbreaks: Saving Humanity from the Next Plague provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the application of statistics in disease surveillance and control. By leveraging advanced statistical techniques and data analysis, we can better prepare for and respond to future disease outbreaks, ensuring the health and well-being of populations worldwide.

Weight: 298g
Dimension: 142 x 217 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138742345