Disease Detectives

What if the next disease outbreak was just around the corner? In New York City, a bustling metropolis of over 8.5 million people, infectious diseases spread rapidly-from the common cold to more sinister threats. But behind every outbreak is a team of dedicated investigators, the Disease Detectives, who work tirelessly to stop these threats in their tracks. Disease Detectives by Don Weiss, who served as an infectious disease epidemiologist for 23 years with the New York City Department of Health, is a captivating collection of true stories from the frontlines of public health in NYC from 2000 to 2022. As the Director of Surveillance for the Bureau of Communicable Disease, Weiss takes readers into the heart of outbreak investigations, revealing how diseases like typhoid fever, meningococcal disease, anthrax, and hepatitis C were tracked and contained. Each chapter unfolds like a mystery, blending scientific detective work with personal insights and historical context, making for a thrilling and educational read. From uncovering the source of a typhoid outbreak in a strip club to solving the mystery of a body unearthed in Queens with signs of smallpox, these stories showcase the ingenuity, dedication, and humanity of public health professionals. Written in an engaging, easy-to-read style, Disease Detectives provides a behind-the-scenes look at how everyday heroes work to keep us safe. Public health crises are more relevant than ever. Discover the untold stories of those who risk everything to protect us. Grab your copy today and step into the world of the Disease Detectives! Don Weiss was born in the Bronx and composed his first story at the age of six while sitting on the stoop of his Inwood apartment. It was an illustrated story about the misadventures of a neighborhood boy named Andy. He attended a small liberal arts college in Pennsylvania and embarked on a career as a chemist before switching to medicine. He practiced urban pediatrics in New York City and the Midwest for seven years and then entered the field of public health. He was an infectious disease epidemiologist for the New York City Department of Health for 23 years. He has written four novels, three of which are public health mysteries, and served as a script and set consultant for the major motion picture, Contagion. Don currently is an assistant women's basketball coach and adjunct professor of public health.