Level IV: Virus Hunters of the CDC by Joseph B. McCormick, Susan Fisher-Hoch, Leslie Alan Horvitz

From Barnes & Noble

By now, readers are familiar with the most terrifying in a group of modern cautionary tales concerning the environment. Recounted in dozens of books and articles, the "hot zone'' story describes how overpopulation and expansion have forced deadly viruses like Ebola and Lassa fever from their natural habitats into the open, where they have found an unexpected new host in human beings. Veterans of more than 25 years in the ongoing war against microbes, two distinguished virologists share their experiences in primitive developing world clinics and hospitals, in remote jungles and rain forests, and in the laboratories of Atlanta's Centers for Disease Control. Colleagues, collaborators, and spouses, McCormick and Fisher-Hoch present the many moving and inspiring human stories behind the grim statistics, providing a hopeful vision of the future. This updated edition includes a new chapter about the authors' successful efforts in designing and building a Level 4 safety lab in France that would be the first and finest of its kind. It also focuses on the critical search to find a vaccine for the deadly Lassa fever. Black-and-white photos.

From the Publisher

"Level 4 is the highest degree of laboratory containment for isolation and experimentation on microbiological organisms. Level-4 organisms produce lethal illnesses in humans and, for the most part, have no treatment and no prevention. Among the most infamous are Ebola and Lass."
—from Level 4 Virus Hunters of the CDC

In their book, Level 4 Virus Hunters of the CDC, husband-wife team Dr. Joseph B. McCormick and Dr. Susan Fisher-Hoch invite you to join them in their search for those who may be infected by these lethal viruses. You will travel through equatorial Africa, the ghettos and rainforests of Brazil, and through settlements in northern Pakistan-all in the search of these killer viruses. Both Dr. McCormick and Dr. Fisher-Hoch will offer their scientific knowledge about how and why these viruses are so lethal to humans and what can be done to prevent any kind of devastating epidemic from ever breaking out. Though unsettling, Level 4 Virus Hunters of the CDC is truly a read that will keep you aware of the power of Mother Nature.

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