The Ebola Epidemic: The Fight, The Future

Gr 7 Up—Goldsmith, a health care practitioner and experienced science writer, begins her investigation of Ebola with the 1976 outbreak in Zaire (now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and scientists' realization that they were dealing with a new type of incredibly deadly hemorrhagic fever. Subsequent chapters explain how the virus works so effectively to sicken its human hosts and shed light on the recent 2014 epidemic in Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. The efforts of health care workers and humanitarian organizations to care for the sick and contain the spread of the disease are described, as is the unfortunately less-than-adequate response of the World Health Organization. Particularly interesting is the information about the development of medical advancements in response to the epidemic. Quick and cost effective screening tests, various curative medications, a vaccine, and even innovative personal protective gear are in the works. Goldsmith also addresses the ethical questions accompanying the rapid development of new medicines: Who should receive the medication first? Is informed consent (necessary to implement clinical trials) even possible when Western doctors are working with patients in developing countries? Chapters are well organized, and the writing style is clear and direct—compelling without resorting to sensationalism. Sidebars with related facts as well as photographs add visual interest, and the back matter is thorough.