Engrossing true stories of the pioneers of epidemiology who risked their lives to find the source of deadly diseases. Throughout history, more people have died in disease epidemics than in wars or other disasters. The courageous, trail-blazing defenders against these diseases faced a terrifying personal gamble. Often they were ignored, laughed at, or even fired from their jobs. But they kept hunting for answers, putting the pieces of the epidemic puzzle together. As they looked for clues to the origin of a disease, scientists searched for the unknown "patient zero"--the first person to have contracted it. Patient Zero brilliantly brings to life the main characters and events to tell the gripping tale of how each of seven diseases spread. The result is spine-chilling as Peters follows the scientists who solved the intricate mystery of the killer epidemics. Patient Zero reminds us that millions of people owe their lives to the work of these pioneer epidemiologists, work that continues to this day.

 

This book is the winner of numerous awards. It was recognised by the Best Books for Kids & Teens. It was recognised by the Cooperative Children's Book Centre Choice Award. It also was recognised by the Red Cedar Book Award.

There are 168 pages in this book. This book was published 2014 by Annick Press Ltd .

Marilee Peters is the author of "Patient Zero: Solving the Mysteries of Deadly Epidemics. " She lives in Vancouver, BC.