Virus Hunters: How Science Protects People When Outbreaks and Pandemics Strike

Gr 6 Up–A fascinating dive into the history of epidemiology. Using cornerstone cases, Cherrix explores the origins of the study of viruses and how scientists track down outbreaks and try to prevent global catastrophes. Members of the Epidemic Intelligence Service investigate a rodent-transmitted disease that largely impacted the Navajo community in the Four Corners region of the United States in 1993. A doctor and a minister hunt down the source of a cholera outbreak in 1854, and their investigation process lays down the foundation for modern-day virus hunters. The book also covers the 1918 Flu and a scientist’s quest to resurrect it; the HIV/AIDS epidemic and how medical activism brought awareness to the public, which resulted in life-changing action; and of course, COVID-19. The narrative can be dry at times, but the sidebars, diagrams, and photos help sustain interest. Most impacting are the individual stories of the many people whose lives were tragically changed because of once-unknown diseases. Cherrix emphasizes how pinpointing the source of these epidemics was often achieved through the group effort of scientists, doctors, spiritual leaders, and communities. She also reminds readers that many of these viruses flourish in places that have been severely impacted by climate change. Warmer environments, population density, and changes in animal migrations all factor into how diseases spread. Back matter includes bibliography, end notes, and an index.