Annotated Bibliography on Epidemics
1. Bres, P. (n.d.). Public Health Action in Emergencies Caused by Epidemics: A Practical Guide.
This guide feels like a seasoned doctor’s notes, filled with urgency and practical wisdom. It’s a secondary
source but reads like it is narrating firsthand experiences from epidemic frontlines, offering a blend of
empathy and evidence-based strategies. I chose it for its boots-on-the-ground approach to epidemic
response, emphasizing the human element in public health emergencies. Its straightforward, actionable
advice on dealing with epidemics is both compelling and a stark reminder of the challenges in ensuring
these strategies reach the most vulnerable. It makes me question how we can bridge the gap between
knowledge and action more effectively.
2. World Health Organization. (2005). Guidelines for the control of shigellosis including epidemics
due to Shigella dysenteriae type 1.
This WHO document, a secondary source, opens a window into battling shigellosis, juxtaposing clinical
guidelines against the backdrop of human suffering. It’s chosen for its authoritative clarity and its global
perspective on handling a bacterial epidemic that can devastate communities. The focus on prevention
and treatment protocols underscores the importance of accessibility to health services and clean water,
prompting reflections on how societal structures affect epidemic responses.
3. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Guidelines for the Control of Epidemics Due to Shigella
dysenteriae Type 1.
Another crucial WHO guideline, this secondary source complements the previous by delving into the
specifics of controlling Shigella dysenteriae outbreaks. Its compelling nature lies in the detailed,
systematic approach to a dire health crisis, emphasizing community engagement and clean water access.
It raises questions about the scalability of such interventions in regions with limited resources and how
global health equity can be achieved.
4. Najera, J. A., Koumetsiov, R. L., & Delacollette, C. (1998). Malaria Epidemics: Detection and
Control, Forecasting and Prevention. World Health Organization.
As a secondary source, this WHO publication serves as an encyclopedia for malaria epidemic
management, weaving scientific rigor with the human cost of malaria. It is selected for its comprehensive
overview and the emphasis on forecasting and prevention. The guide highlights the need for community-
centric approaches, provoking thoughts on integrating traditional knowledge with modern science to
fortify epidemic preparedness.
5. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Malaria Epidemics: Detection and Control, Forecasting and
Prevention.
A companion piece to Najera et al.’s work, this document reinforces the critical aspects of managing
malaria outbreaks. As a secondary source, it adds depth to my understanding of epidemic control through
a global lens. Its detailed discussion on forecasting epidemics is particularly compelling, spotlighting the
interplay between environmental factors and malaria transmission. It ignites curiosity about innovative
technologies for epidemic forecasting and their potential to revolutionize public health responses.
Reflections
These sources, each a beacon of knowledge in its own right, are chosen for their depth, authority, and
human-centered approach to epidemic control. They stand as testaments to humanity’s resilience in the
face of microbial threats, offering both a macro and micro view of public health challenges. Through
them, I am compelled to explore not just the "how" but also the "why" behind epidemic responses—why
certain strategies work in some contexts and not in others, and how we can bridge these gaps. They
provoke a deeper inquiry into the role of community engagement, equity in health access, and the
integration of traditional wisdom with scientific advancements in crafting more effective, humane
responses to epidemics.
