Crisis Averted
The Hidden Science of Fighting Outbreaks
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4.3 • 3 Ratings
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
“Readers should come away from Crisis Averted with a better comprehension of what public health does and why it is such a crucial endeavor.” —The Washington Post
"A master class in how we can pinpoint and prevent health crises before they spiral out of control."—Scott Gottlieb, MD, author of Uncontrolled Spread
A fascinating window into the secret life of epidemiology, weaving together stories of triumph and tragedy, with a boots-on-the-ground perspective on how we can avert the next public health crisis
There are few visible markers of the accomplishments of public health. When epidemiologists do their jobs, nothing happens. An outbreak does not grow into an epidemic. A child does not go hungry. A would-be smoker never lights up. In this fascinating window into the secret life of public health, Caitlin Rivers weaves together stories of triumph and tragedy to show that by making sure things don't happen, she and legions of scientists, practitioners, and policymakers change the course of history.
We have many of the tools and experiences needed to prevent the next crisis, but as past experiences teach us, the unexpected is always around the corner. We cannot afford complacency, as countless challenges remain, including constantly emerging pathogens, the rapid growth of biotechnology, and the inconsistent cycles of funding for public health programs. Progress can be slow, but the unsung heroes in epidemiology remain focused on their missions. Crisis Averted tells their stories—from the eradication of smallpox in the twentieth century to a battle against mosquito-borne diseases in the Florida Keys to the international safeguards implemented against extraterrestrial germs.
By taking a candid look at how we solve problems in public health, Caitlin Rivers illuminates the role of epidemiology in all our lives and lays out the case for what can be accomplished given sufficient vision, leadership, and resources. Crisis Averted is an inspiring and galvanizing call for us to work together towards a healthier, more resilient future.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Johns Hopkins University epidemiologist Rivers debuts with a penetrating exploration of strategies public health experts have used, or failed to use, to prevent catastrophe. Chronicling how the World Health Organization eliminated smallpox in the 1960s and '70s, Rivers describes how, after mass vaccination campaigns in the countries where the disease still circulated proved insufficient, health workers paid people to report cases so the workers could vaccinate and quarantine anyone exposed. The combination of strategies was successful, and the last natural smallpox case occurred in 1977. Other success stories include how good "old-fashioned... contact tracing, isolation, quarantine, and instructions to the well for how to prevent infection" stymied the spread of SARS in the mid-2000s. Rivers also features a few cautionary tales, as when she discusses how inadequate infrastructure for waste water contributed to Haiti's devastating cholera outbreak in the 2010s. A chapter describing the origins of tornado warnings in the late 1940s to demonstrate the wisdom of honest communication with the public about potential threats feels tangential given the overall focus on disease, but the case studies offer helpful insights into what it takes to extinguish outbreaks. It's a rousing testament to health workers' grit and competence.
