Although medicine and sanitation in modernised countries are more advanced than ever before, the past three decades have seen the emergence of some 30 new diseases, such as HIV, SARS and Ebola. Lyme Disease, Hepatitis C, Legionnaires' Disease and even DJD, the human form of "Mad Cow Disease," have all made headlines. We are also facing a resurgence of diseases once thought nearly eradicated, including tuberculosis and smallpox, and the persistence of rare disorders such as leprosy. In this work, the author explains the extent of new, resurgent and resistant diseases which defy the abilities of science and medicine, or often just find strength because of globalisation or other facets of modernisation. The author also explains why such diseases are not prevented by our current systems, and why some rare diseases persist despite technology that could cure them. He offers insight into why we may not be able to predict or prevent factors such as mutations, and also shares thoughts about what we can do to reduce the dangers of disease. Including a basic review of elements that cause them - viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi among them - this work gives a brief history of human diseases and points out how the burden of disease has increased throughout the history of mankind. Diseases addressed in this book include, but are not limited to: 'Mad Cow Disease'; Tuberculosis; Rabies; SARS; Ebola; Leprosy; Smallpox; Dracunculiasis; Ringworm; and Malaria.