Denise Grady

Deadly Invaders is a book about virus epidemics and outbreaks. Some examples of viruses that have become epidemics are mumps, measles, and chickenpox. These were all viruses that could be prevented by vaccines by the 1960s, but that did not stop other new viruses and bacteria to rise. The death rate in 1900 was 797 people out of 100,000 people died and in 1980, the number dropped to 36 per 100,000. Some viruses that have been recent outbreaks and epidemics are Marburg fever, influenza, HIV, and SARS. Marburg fever is a virus infection similar to Ebola, which started in Angola. It sneaked onto health officials and doctors before they could even do anything before it turned into an epidemic. This was the biggest outbreak of Marburg ever, which there was no real cure for, and there was no vaccine for it either. This virus most likely came from an animal, which is transmitted to humans by scratches, bites, and being near infected animals. Another virus is influenza or flu for short. Most people think that the flu is not a very strong virus, but when there is a specific type of flu, Type A flu virus it can cause pandemics. This virus is thought to come from wild birds in Asia. Next on our list is HIV, which is transmitted through blood or sexual contact. Some drugs have been keeping people alive from HIV for decades, but there are some side effects. People carry the symptoms of Aids forever. Another disease that was known worldwide was SARS, and this virus was a superspreader. This virus spreads by contact or coughing. Scientists think that this virus originated from exotic Chinese markets. The Chinese government killed dogs, raccoons, and badgers, also know as civets to stop the spread of the disease. Scientists figured out this was not the source, but it was from the Chinese horseshoe bat. We can not always prevent an outbreak, but we can stop it before it becomes an epidemic
I think that this was a good book about viruses, but it made me want to wash my hands regularly. I also think that this book gives the reader something that he or she should think before buying an exotic pet or whatnot. I would like to know how people would try and fix the problem. Another reason why I found it interesting because of how viruses can come out of nowhere. I would recommend this book to other people to make them more aware of viruses and how a simple vaccine could save your life.… (mais)

New York Times medical reporter Denise Grady takes a look at Marburg, avian flu, HIV, SARS, West Nile virus, hantavirus, and monkeypox. The book is really interesting because it just doesn't tell you about these diseases but how they affect our health care . She travels around close to ground zero where most of these problems started and gives you and in depth look at them .The book also includes really great pictures . This book will great in a classroom because it shows you a different side of looking at viruses and disease .… (mais)

Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com

When I received my copy of DEADLY INVADERS, I had every intention of focusing on two of the diseases I was most familiar with--Avian (Bird) Flu and West Nile Disease. I had never actually heard of Marburg Fever, but quickly realized that a large portion of the book was devoted to this disease, and became intrigued.

The Marburg Story is broken down into six sections: Luanda, Angola; The Hot Zone; Arrival in Uige; Claudia's Funeral; The Outbreak Ends, and Animal Origins. So what is Marburg Fever? The Marburg virus is found in Africa, Asia, and South America, and is called a viral hemorrhagic fever. Outbreaks tend to erupt without warning, and although they cause rapidly fatal diseases, the illnesses start out with ordinary flu symptoms--headache, fever, aches and pains, an occasional rash, diarrhea and vomiting. What causes Marburg Fever to become deadly, though, is the fact that about half of the victims who suffer from the flu-like symptoms then begin to bleed, both internally and externally. What often follows is a breakdown of vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver from the fluid that is leaking out of the blood vessels.

Sounds horrifically painful, doesn't it? It is, and although right now it's only been found in the aforementioned countries and has come to an end, it could arise again, and even be spread to other parts of the globe. One of the most important things I learned by reading DEADLY INVADERS is how easily a virus, whether one that is air-born or one that can only be contracted through direct contact of bodily fluids, can be spread. With the ease of travel from one country to another, and with short incubation periods for viruses with little or no obvious symptoms in the beginning, it is not unlikely that an epidemic of some sort will one day spread across the Earth.

Besides Marburg Fever, there are six other diseases profiled in DEADLY INVADERS: Avian (Bird) Flu, HIV and AIDS, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, West Nile Disease, SARS, and Monkeypox. Each virus has specific symptoms, and none have cures. It is up to medical professionals across the world to work together to find vaccines for these diseases, so that we're prepared in the face of eventual outbreaks.

This is definitely an informative book. If you've ever wondered about the likelihood of outbreaks of Bird Flu or West Nile Disease in the United States, or if diseases that thrive in third-world countries will ever be a threat to those in the developed world, you need to read DEADLY INVADERS. The threat is there, and it's up to all of us to get ready.… (mais)