Ebola and other emerging viruses

[Patrick O'Neil]

On 19 Feb 1995, AlW1 wrote:

> Does anyone know where I can find a reference that would provide a
> classification of these viruses - a family tree of the viruses. I am not a
> virologist, just interested in the subject. I find myself having
> difficutly keeping track of the viruses and their relationship to each
> other.

Hello.  I cannot offer a huge, encompassing book but one that might help 
is, "Emerging Viruses," edited by Stephen S. Morse.  This is a 
compilation of articles from various scientists and doctors concerning a 
number of emergent viruses.  There are a few tables within that give 
short classifications of some viruses, their geographical origin, 
probable vectors, and, very generally, the gross symptoms.  To quote 
from the Preface:  "This book does not attempt to be all-inclusive.  
Rather than aiming at an encyclopedic approach, the emphasis is on trying 
to elucidate some of the salient characteristics and underlying 
mechanisms of emerging diseases and how this might inform strategies for 
their control."  
  Its origins derive from the conference, "Emerging Viruses: the 
Evolution of Viruses and Viral Disease," sponsored by the Division of 
Microbiology & Infectious Diseases of the National Institute of Allergy 
and Infectious Diseases and the Fogarty International Center of the NIH, 
etc, held in Washington DC in May 1989.

It's a start at any rate.

Patrick O'Neil