Infectious disease has long been an important subject in medical science. Over the past decades, the epidemics of HIV/AIDS, SARS, and avian influenza are reminding us of the challenges posed by their societal impact, which is often neglected. To enhance preparedness, infectious disease has increasingly occupied a key position in the curricula for not only students in medicine, but also nursing, public health and other health science subjects.

Public Health Infectious Disease is a book written for students who are learning about infectious diseases in a public health context. Edited by Prof. Lee Shui-shan, Professor of Infectious Diseases at CUHK, the 21-chapter book covers the biological basis of infections, discusses selected infectious diseases of public health importance and addresses the principles and practice of surveillance, prevention and control. Illustrated with maps and colour plates, the book is meant to be a handy reference also for public health practitioners.