What one can do about epidemics is simple. Keep health high, don't trade with the AI [even if it brings you bonuses and wealth, the risk of an early tuberculosis striking your specialist capital is really high] and curfew your cities.
The MAFs and consistent crashes are really annoying. I started in a really good location with sulphur, iron, silk, rice, and two crabs but I can't proceed beyond a certain point because of crashes. Other than that, this mod is excellent. I love the slaves and trading posts idea and the concept in general.
One more thing, if any help is needed with translations, I can help since I can speak some French.