BOOKS
Author Mnookin, Seth.

Title The panic virus : a true story of medicine, science, and fear / Seth Mnookin.

Imprint New York : Simon & Schuster, 2011.
Edition 1st Simon & Schuster hardcover ed.
LOCATION CALL # STATUS
 3rd FL Science & Technology Library Books  RA638 .M675 2011    Available
Collation xvi, 429 pages ; 25 cm
text txt rdacontent
unmediated n rdamedia
volume nc rdacarrier
Bibliog. Includes bibliographical references (pages 373-410) and index.
Contents The spotted pimple of death -- Milkmaid envy and a fear of modernity -- The polio vaccine : from medical miracle to public health catastrophe -- Fluoride scares and swine flu scandals -- "Vaccine roulette" -- Autism's evolving identities -- Help! there are fibers growing out of my eyeballs! -- Enter Andrew Wakefield -- The Lancet paper -- Thimerosal and the mystery of Minamata's dancing cats -- The mercury moms -- The Simpsonwood Conference and the speed of light : a brief history of science -- The media and its messages -- Mark Geier, witness for hire -- The case of Michelle Cedillo -- Cognitive biases and availability cascades -- How to turn a lack of evidence into evidence of harm -- A conspiracy of dunces -- Autism speaks -- Katie Wright's accidental manifesto -- Jenny McCarthy's mommy instinct -- Medical NIMBYism and faith-based metaphysics -- Baby Brie -- Casualties of a war built on lies.
Summary A searing account of how vaccine opponents have used the media to spread their message of panic, despite no scientific evidence to support them.
In this searching exposé, the recent hysteria over childhood vaccinations and their alleged link to autism becomes a cautionary tale of bad science amplified by media sensationalism.
Note Gift of Dr. Gary Jason.
Subject Vaccination -- History.
Vaccination -- Psychological aspects.
Health behavior.
Mass media and culture.
ISBN 9781439158647 (hc)
1439158649