The authors is W. Ian Lipkin, a professor of epidemiology and a professor of neurology and pathology at Columbia University, and, a medical consultant for Steven Soderbergh's latest release.
The risks of pandemics are increasing. More than three-quarters of all emerging infectious diseases originate when microbes pass from wildlife to humans (zoonoses). Our vulnerability to such diseases is increased by the growth in international travel and the globalization of food production. Further, deforestation and urbanization continue to displace wildlife, increasing the probability that wild creatures will come in contact with domesticated animals and humans.
For a scholarly read, I recommend Laurie Garrett's The Coming Plague.
As for the film, perhaps I will skip infectious diseases rounds this week and hit the matinee.
