Review by Choice Review
The SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) epidemic in China began between November 2002 and February 2003 and was declared under control by the World Health Organization in July 2003. In September 2003, a conference was held at Harvard to assess the global implications of the events of this deadly but short-lived epidemic that, by its nature and through the widespread interest it generated, provided perfect case study material. A diverse group of individuals, anthropologists, east Asian experts, health officials, reporters, and others, all with some direct connection to the epidemic, contributed their observations and insights. The ten chapters are divided under four main topic headings covering epidemiological and public health implications of SARS; its political and economic consequences; its social, moral, and psychological consequences; and global and cross-cultural issues. The work is a good summary of the conference and makes one acutely aware of various aspects of an epidemic, e.g., the social, economic, and political, that are as important as and integral with public health issues. The book serves its purpose: the lessons to be learned from this epidemic are applicable to preparation for future possible epidemics or a pandemic. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. All levels. R. S. Kowalczyk University of Michigan
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
