The term "communicable disease control" describes the way in which outbreaks of infectious diseases are managed to prevent their transmission and spread. This includes surveillance, prevention, investigation and response to cases. This book is a practical guide. In Europe the range of diseases and infectious agents differs from that of the US, and yet the only real reference in this field is an American book: "Benenson: Control of Communicable Disease Manual". This is published by the American Public Health Association every five years and is considered to be a good resource. The problem is that it covers many diseases that do not occur in Europe and omits a number of important European infections. Furthermore, the epidemiological information it gives is based on the US population. It does not consider the public health issues in a European and UK context. This volume aims to fill the gap in the European market.
"A well organized and supremely practical book to have at hand when on–call for public health or indeed microbiology and infectious diseases"
Journal of Hospital Infection "A very pragmatic, well organized handbook that has been well thought out. It should be read thoroughly and kept on the bedside table to consult as necessary."
Journal of Hospital Infection
"Each section of the book is clearly written, and laid out so that key information is readily apparent to the reader in a hurry. An excellent text, of use to infection control nurses in acute and community settings, as well as health protection staff."
British Journal of Infection Control
"This comprehensive and practical handbook will provide a very accessible source of detailed information for everyone in the field of communicable disease control."
Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer (from the foreword)
ON THE PREVIOUS EDITION
"This handbook will be a valuable resource for all those who are interested in control of communicable disease, including public–health physicians, epidemiologists, infection control nurses, microbiologists and those training to work in these related fields."
The Lancet Infectious Diseases
"This book fulfils all the needs of a practical handbook, being easy to use and packed with practical information."
Epidemiology and Infection
"This would be the first book to reach for in any number of day–to–day or crisis situations in communicable disease control."
British Journal of Infection Control
"If you undertake on–call public health duties, just buy the book."
Journal of Public Health Medicine
From the forward (of the first edition) by Sir Donald Acheson:
"...(this book) seems to me to incorporate all that is best in the tradition of (the CDSC) – sound science, attention to detail and an essentially practical approach."
"This outstanding and I suspect unique handbook is packed with useful information. I believe it will prove to be an essential resource for those, not only within the United Kingdom but throughout Europe, who have responsibility for the identification and control of infectious disease. It will also be an indispensable text for students aspiring to a career in this important field."
