Communicable diseases are the foremost health problem encountered in developing countries, and contribute to ill health worldwide. Increasing globalisation means the appearance of new diseases, the persistence of existing ones and the spread of multi-drug resistant organisms are issues of international concern. Introducing both basic principles and more advanced concepts of epidemiology, this textbook examines communicable diseases at the community level, combining theory and practice into a systematic and globally comprehensive overview. Diseases in developed and developing countries are addressed, grouped by means of transmission and illustrated with focus boxes, bullet lists and figures. Fully updated throughout, this fourth edition of Communicable Disease Epidemiology and Control, retitled Communicable Diseases to reflect the breadth of its coverage, includes new chapters on integrated disease management and the increased risks of disease among pregnant women. An essential resource for students and lecturers in public health and medical sciences, this book will also assist doctors and health workers in their management of this fast-changing area.