Ebola: Fears and Facts

"Identified fewer than 40 years ago by the scientists and health workers, Ebola is still misunderstood by much of the general public. Newman's level-headed, clearly written title, which reads like a well-researched and in-depth journal article, covers many aspects of the disease, from the structure of the virus and its possible origins to symptoms and how it spreads. Newman also covers very recent developments, including the largely overblown panic in the U.S. after several Ebola cases emerged in American hospitals in 2014. Large color photos, both current and historical, show workers in the field and survivors, and diagrams, maps, and tables offer succinct access to the facts. With persuasive insight, Newman discusses prevention efforts, economic circumstances that breed conditions perfect for outbreaks, moving stories of families affected by the disease, and the importance of approaching media reports--particularly in the U.S.--with critical thinking skills. Incredibly up-to-date, sobering, and sensibly written, this multidisciplinary approach to a timely, important topic will be a practical addition to both public and school libraries, not only for reports on the disease or public health, but as a primer on media literacy. Excellent resources and comprehensive source notes close out the volume."--starred, Booklist

"Claiming the lives of thousands, the Ebola epidemic of 2014 had devastating consequences for three countries in Western Africa and transfixed the world. With straightforward language and eye-catching photographs, maps, and charts on almost every page, this work tells the distressing story of Ebola. Like many other infectious diseases, Ebola crosses from animals to humans. Highly contagious, it is difficult to contain. Newman describes the first emergence of the disease in 1976 and then traces the path of the virus during the 2014 outbreak, beginning with Patient Zero, two-year-old Emile Ouamouno from Guinea. The author discusses the doctors and nurses, as well as other workers and volunteers on the front line, who worked tirelessly, braving stigma and fear to aid the sick and contain the outbreak. Newman also addresses preventative measures, the development of drugs to combat the disease, the fear of an outbreak in the United States, and our responsibility as global citizens to aid poorer countries. Titles that provide up-to-the-moment information run the risk of becoming outdated quickly. To counter that potential problem, Newman supplies websites from organizations such as the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States Agency for International Development, and Doctors Without Borders, which will keep readers updated with the latest material available on Ebola. VERDICT: Breaking new ground, Newman has written a truly excellent book for middle grade students that tackles the terrifying specter of Ebola. As the title suggests, readers will come away with more facts and less fears."--School Library Journal

"Ebola may not currently be the lead story on the six o'clock news, but according to international health organizations, it is certain to make a comeback, and the harsh reality is that right now no sure preventive vaccine or cure is known. Newman traces the viral outbreak to its first appearance in the Democratic Republic of Congo in in 1976, where it was hastily (and somewhat inaccurately) named for the nearby Ebola River. With background on early misunderstandings of the disease in place, she turns to the 2014 pandemic of which most readers will be aware. It is, of course, a story not just of medical crisis but of cultural conflicts and xenophobic mistrust as well, as West Africans' traditional patterns of personal, hands-on community care and their skepticism of foreigners collided with Western medicine's more impersonal and aggressive approaches to disease control. A well-chosen selection of photographs underscores the text's focus on the valiant efforts of African and Western medical workers and volunteers who risk their lives for sufferers, and on patients who are forced to forego the TLC of human contact in the hope of saving themselves and protecting their families and communities from contamination. Although publisher notes suggest this might 'inform while helping to alleviate fears, ' readers are not assuaged with an overly rosy view of Ebola's near future. An appended FAQ section notes that Westerners are in relatively better circumstances to contain an outbreak and support victims' general health while they fight the virus. However, while Newman's unsensationalized account leaves room for hope, it refuses to whitewash grim news. A glossary, source notes, index, and resources for further information are included."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"This brief overview of the history and nature of this deadly disease offers readers context for recent news headlines. Named for a long, winding river in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Ebola virus first appeared in 1976, killing over 100 people. Since the first outbreak, Ebola has appeared in central Africa without warning and at no consistent intervals. It seems to reappear in villages after some significant disturbance in the jungle, such as brush clearing or hunting. Newman explains how subsequent outbreaks have enabled scientists to identify patterns of Ebola symptoms and how the disease is transmitted. There is discussion of the limited options for treatment of infected people and the potential risks to health care workers treating victims. A good deal of attention is devoted to the most recent outbreak, which Newman compares and contrasts with notable outbreaks of other diseases, such as the 1918 flu pandemic, SARS, and bird flu, a strategy intended to alleviate fears readers may have. Good advice is offered on how readers can judge the reliability of information they see about widely reported stories such as the recent Ebola outbreak. Newman concludes with a list of frequently asked questions. A well-organized, informative overview."―Kirkus Reviews