Ending Epidemics: The Triumph Over Infectious Diseases

By Richard Conniff

How scientists saved humanity from the deadliest infectious diseases and what we can do to prepare ourselves for future epidemics.

After the unprecedented events of the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be hard to imagine a time not so long ago when deadly diseases were a routine part of life. It is harder still to fathom that the best medical thinking at that time blamed these diseases on noxious miasmas, bodily humors, and divine dyspepsia. This all began to change on a day in April 1676, when a little-known Dutch merchant described bacteria for the first time.

Beginning on that day in Delft and ending on the day in 1978 when the smallpox virus claimed its last known victim, Ending Epidemics explains how we came to understand and prevent many of our worst infectious diseases and double average life expectancy.

Ending Epidemics tells the story behind the mortality revolution, the dramatic transformation not just in our longevity, but in the character of childhood, family life, and human society. Richard Conniff recounts the moments of inspiration and innovation, decades of dogged persistence, and, of course, periods of terrible suffering that stir individuals, institutions, and governments to act in the name of public health. Stars of medical science feature in this drama, but lesser-known figures also play a critical role. And while the history of germ theory is central to this story, Ending Epidemics also describes the importance of everything from sanitation improvements and the discovery of antibiotics to the development of the microscope and the syringe technologies we now take for granted.

Richard Conniff’s Ending Epidemics is a compelling narrative that explores the journey of humanity’s triumph over infectious diseases. It serves as a testament to the power of human resilience, scientific innovation, and collective action in the face of adversity. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of medicine, public health, and the ongoing battle against infectious diseases.

Ending Epidemics offers a unique blend of historical insights, scientific discoveries, and personal stories that highlight the progress made in combating infectious diseases. It also serves as a reminder of the challenges we still face and the importance of continued research, collaboration, and public awareness in preventing future epidemics.

With the ongoing threat of emerging and re-emerging diseases, Ending Epidemics provides a timely and thought-provoking exploration of our past successes and future challenges in the fight against infectious diseases. It is an essential read for health professionals, researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding how we can work together to protect global health and prevent future pandemics.