The Coming Plague: Newly Emerging Diseases in a World Out of Balance by Laurie Garrett is a compelling and informative account of the global health crises caused by emerging diseases. Written by a Pulitzer Prize-winning public health expert, this New York Times notable book provides an in-depth look at the factors contributing to the spread of deadly viruses such as HIV, Ebola, and Lassa fever. Garrett explores the crucial role of unpurified drinking water, antibiotic misuse, war, and mass migration, all of which have created the perfect conditions for these diseases to thrive.
In this detailed exploration, Garrett takes readers through a fifty-year journey, examining the evolution of epidemics and the changing social and environmental conditions that have allowed deadly diseases to spread. She highlights the dangers of new diseases and the resurgence of previously controlled ones, making a strong case for the need for immediate action to protect public health. Drawing on her extensive research, Garrett also offers potential solutions for a more balanced and healthier future, urging global cooperation to prevent further outbreaks.
A must-read for anyone interested in public health, global epidemics, or the challenges of modern medical science, The Coming Plague is both a warning and a call to action. It is an eye-opening exploration of the impact of human activity on disease spread and how we can still work to prevent future crises.
