This title examines one of the world's critical issues, pandemics. Readers will learn the historical background of this issue leading up to its current and future impact on society. Various diseases, types of pandemics, and causes of pandemics are discussed in detail as well as the major issues associated with pandemics including transmission, fear, blame, preparedness, response and treatment, impact, and recovery. Also covered are response organizations such as the United Nations' World Health Organization and pandemics related to obesity, foodborne illness, and bioterrorism. Engaging text, informative sidebars, and color photographs present information realistically, leaving readers with a thorough, honest interpretation of pandemics. Features include a timeline, facts, additional resources, Web sites, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index. Essential Issues is a series in Essential Library, an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.