Communicable diseases can devastate whole populations and are a problem in both developing countries and the developed world. Understanding their epidemiology is vital to the doctor and communicable disease specialist involved in their control. This book draws on the depth of practical experience gained by the author and a wide range of other sources to review communicable diseases in a global perspective. The main part of the book covers a wide range of the important communicable diseases and this is further supported by a comprehensive outline of known communicable diseases given in an annex at the end of the book. The first part describes epidemiological methods and illustrates their use with practical examples. The second part covers communicable diseases in a systematic manner grouping diseases by epidemiological criteria. This classification enables control to be instigated using the epidemiological principles and control methods described in the first part of the book. Grouping diseases in this manner also makes it easier to understand and link them together, so facilitating learning. . The book balances informativeness with a simple and practical delivery. It is an essential tool for all doctors, epidemiologists, and those working in the control of communicable diseases, especially in developing countries. It is designed to present a clear introduction for medical students, public health specialists and those involved in disease control.