The Control of Communicable Diseases Manual is one of the most widespread single-volume reference volumes on the topic of infectious diseases. It is useful for physicians, global travelers, emergency volunteers and all who have dealt with or might have to deal with public health issues.

History of the CCDM

In its very first edition in 1915 it was titled "Control of communicable diseases in man", and also known then as the CCDM.

The first edition was a small pamphlet; for a long time in the 20th century the paperback edition was a handy pocket book. Now, the softcover version would fit in the largest pocket of a very spacious winter coat only.

17th edition, 2000

The 17th edition of the CCDM was published by the American Public Health Association on January 15, 2000. Lead by editor James Chin,

The paperback and hardcover editions are both 623 pages. The paperback dimensions are 1.12" x 6.86" x 4.36", hardcover dimensions are 1.32" x 7.34" x 4.40".

The ISBN for the hardcover edition is ISBN 0-87553-182-2, the paperback is ISBN 087553242X

Notes: A couple of concise pages for each infectious disease

Each disease gest a description divided in 9 sections: 1. Identification 2. Infectious agent 3. Occurrence 4. Reservoir 5. Mode of transmission 6. Incubation period 7. Period of communicability 8. Susceptibility and resistance 9. Methods of control The size of each section varies considerably. For instance, the reservoir section for smallpox is less than a line long, since this disease is, in theory only present in the freezers of offcicial laboratories. In contrast the anthrax entry has a large paragraph on the current reservoir.

Unique identifiers and availability: ISBNs, $30 in US funds

Lower prices are available for members of the APHA

And also available in Spanish and in Italian. Many illegal copies have been published in Chinese and Arabic, and this made one of the former editors, Dr. Benenson, very happy for it was proof to him that "his" book was really useful.

The full title of this book, as registered in the Library of Congress is Control of communicable diseases manual : an official report of the American Public Health Association (ISBN 087553242X).