David L. Heymann

The "bible" has just been updated, again -- for the 19th time! It only makes sense. The world changes. Virusus mutate. Bacteria get smarter and start resisting the old ways we have of dealing with them. Who can keep all of this in their heads? This little book (or, even better, the pdf version for your handheld) is indispensable for any public health officer or infection control practitioner.

For anyone interested in "bugs," this little book is a must. Most epidemiologists keep a copy of this in their desk drawer as a handy reference to almost every communicable disease. It covers things like symptoms, incubation periods, mode of transmission, how to best control an outbreak, immunization potential, geographical spread etc.--all in a tidy little package that is easy to use.