Since before history began, the human species has been waging a war. Viruses have claimed countless lives and have swept through civilizations in deadly pandemics. Certain viruses, such as Ebola, hantavirus, and strains of influenza, still pose a threat today. Some scientists believe that a large outbreak of an extremely deadly infectious disease is likely to occur soon. A virus could either develop naturally or be created by terrorists or hostile states for use as a weapon. This book uses photographs, sidebars, and a glossary to explain the most pressing of these threats we face today, and what individuals and organizations are doing to prevent an outbreak.