On Nov. 3, Dr. Stephen Gehlbach will bring the topic of epidemics up close and personal in his talk “An Epidemic in the Neighborhood,” presented at 6:30 p.m. at the Jaffrey Library.
Defying the miracles of modern medicine, outbreaks of infectious disease continue to be both alarming and fascinating – SARS and Ebola and now, Zika. One of America’s most notorious epidemics first made its appearance less than 90 miles from Jaffrey. The disease spread widely, creating panic throughout the country for about three-quarters of a century. Then it disappeared. Gehlbach will trace the footsteps of the medical detective who first identified the illness and follow the path to its demise. The story offers important lessons for today.
Gehlbach was dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst before retiring to Jaffrey with his wife, Carol. A physician-educator, with training in pediatrics as well as public health, he has taught courses and written several books attempting to make the world of medical research more intelligible. His most recent effort, “American Plagues: Lessons from Our Battles with Disease,” tells stories of some of our country’s most terrifying epidemics and the insights gained in combatting them.
“An Epidemic in the Neighborhood” will be held in the Community Meeting Room on the library’s lower level beginning at 6:30 p.m. and lasting an hour.