Virus Hunter. - book reviews

***Viruses and the diseases they cause, formerly known only to scientists, have become household words. Ebola, E coli, Hantavirus, hepatitis, and the HIV virus that can cause AIDS are a few that come to mind. All are accompanied by the thought of dreadful possibilities of mass epidemics, as they are fast-spreading and tenacious. The adjective "virulent" says it all.

Viruses -- pathogens that can replicate themselves only inside living cells -- have caused polio, influenza, and hemorrhagic diseases. The Ebola outbreak in Zaire a few years back killed 90% of its victims. Many died horribly within 24 hours, as extreme bleeding took place and the internal organs shut down one by one.

Fortunately for humanity, there is a command post to combat these lethal outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control, located in Atlanta, Ga., has many missions, but one of its most important is to investigate old, new, and mutated viruses that threaten mankind. Following the scientists' work provides readers with an exciting ring-side seat to the dangers, research, politics, joys, and disappointments of these "virus hunters."

In many ways, this book reads like a detective story, with medical sleuths tracking down killer diseases. A recent case -- that of the Hantavirus killer, which first made itself known in the Four Corners area of the American West -- is fascinating. Poor Navajo, living in hogans with dirt floors, came down with the disease, which ultimately was traced to deer mice droppings.

Co-author Peters, an Army epedemiologist, worked in various capacities all over the world, and the book in part is autobiographical. He did considerable research at Ft. Detrick in Frederick, Md., a former germ warfare center in which deadly anthrax experimentation took place. The scientists there looked like aliens in their spacesuits, working double-gloved hands through openings into laboratory windows.

Peters expresses a deep-seated personal dislike of working with monkeys (vicious at best), but these are necessary for research due to parallel body functions. He argues convincingly that no computer models can take their place. The book is a bit on the technical side, but don't let that throw you. it's a great and informative read!

COPYRIGHT 1998 Society for the Advancement of Education
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group