Includes bibliographical references (p. 107-109) and index.

Introduction -- Emerging infectious diseases: it's a small world after all -- Bacterial diseases: still going strong after three billion years -- Viral diseases: mosquito-borne killers -- More viruses: mice, monkeys, blood, and air -- Parasites and prions: dangerous and deadly -- Diagnosing the future: good news for the world's health -- Glossary -- Source notes -- Selected bibliography -- Further reading and websites -- Index.