Ebola : an evolving story / James Lyons-Weiler, Ebola Rapid Assay Development Consortium, USA.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Lyons-Weiler, James, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Ebola virus disease.

Ebola virus disease--Transmission.

Ebola virus disease--Prevention--Government policy--United States.

Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola.

Ebolavirus.

Medical Subjects:

Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola.

Ebolavirus.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (248 p.)

Place of Publication:

Hackensack, New Jersey : World Scientific, 2015.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

"The book is a narrative of the unfolding of the Ebola virus disease outbreak from a scientific view point. The author provides an analysis of the scientific basis of public health policies that have influenced the public's, and the medical community's, abilities to understand the virus and the disease. This is done in the context of providing insights into the biology of the virus, and exploring open questions, including its likely modes of transmission. The author has included citations from the scientific literature and the press, as well as quotes from expert interviews. The book will help sort out the fact from fiction, given the confusion that arose after the virus arrived in the US. The author used his objective research skills and knowledge of evolutionary genetics and molecular biology to find out what was known, and what questions remained unanswered, and even what questions remained unasked. Written in an accessible style, it is intended for the educated general public, scientists, policy makers, health care workers, and politicians. It delves into the problems of trying to derive a logic-based understanding of a highly lethal emerging disease in 2014, when research funding cuts have gutted research institutions, and when public health institutions really were woefully unprepared. It is a highly distinct narrative analysis that is sure to stimulate new research and thinking in public policy. It will inform thousands of people of the nature of the virus, how it works, in terms they are likely to be able to understand. It will allow others to rapidly catch up with the story of Ebola."-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Origins of the epidemic

How well do we understand the 2014 Ebolavirus?

Ways in which Ebola Guinea may differ from past outbreaks: evolution of viral phenotypes

Biological knowledge and ebola policy

"How Cruiel is that?"

With blinded eyes

Are we asking the right questions and solving the right problem(s)?

Evolution is real: deadly consequesnces of dogma

Promising treatments

Policy analysis

Rational analysis of irrational decisions, or don't fear the reaper.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references at the end of each chapters and index.

Description based on print version record.