Causes
In this text, Preston shows how wide-spread, devastating viruses can often ironically have small causes. For example, the Ebola virus outbreak in 2013 was in all likelihood caused by a young boy playing with a bat.
Learning from the past
Ironically, although many viruses have originated from animals in the past, we still haven't done much to prevent this. For example, the Ebola virus was likely caused by bats, while the Coronavirus outbreak in 2020 likely originated in a wet market.
The Red Zone
The red zone was established in order to keep people safe. Ironically, however, this was a very dangerous place to be, and the vast majority of people who entered died there.
How the virus spreads
Preston writes about the ironic nature of deadly viruses and the fact that they spread "by following the deepest and most personal ties of love, care, and duty that join people to one another." Ironically, deadly viruses spread to loved ones by close contact.
Humarr Khan
Humarr Khan was a doctor from Sierra Leone, who contributed to the search for an Ebola virus treatment. In a tragically ironic turn of events, Khan himself died from the virus after being denied treatment as it hadn't yet been tested on humans.
