which disease has taken the most amount of lives over the course of history

Full Answer

Are the deadliest diseases in history still killing people?

Unfortunately, many of the deadliest diseases in history are still claiming thousands of lives, mostly in the developing countries.

Which diseases cause the most deaths in high-income countries?

In high-income countries, deaths are increasing for all top 10 diseases except two. Ischaemic heart disease and stroke are the only causes of death in the top 10 for which the total numbers have gone down between 2000 and 2019, by 16% (or 327 000 deaths) and by 21% (or 205 000 deaths) respectively.

How have diseases affected human history?

Some diseases have left their mark on the human race, warping the course of human history in their wake. In certain cases, like that of the bubonic plague, population levels were drastically reduced for centuries afterward.

Why did the Old World have such a high rate of infection?

Europeans from the Old World had a long history of living in close quarters with domesticated animals as well as eating and drinking from similar sources. This led to the spread of many diseases. But those who survived developed an impressive immunity to otherwise deadly pathogens.

Is COVID-19 the worst pandemic the world has ever seen?

SARS-CoV-2 has officially claimed 5 million lives, but credible estimates place the pandemic's true death toll closer to 17 million. Either count secures COVID-19's position on our list of history's deadliest plagues.

What is the name of the disease caused by the coronavirus?

COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019)Also called: Coronavirus, COVID-19 Summary COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is an illness caused by a virus. This virus is a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2.

When was the first human coronavirus discovered?

Scientists first identified a human coronavirus in 1965. It caused a common cold. Later that decade, researchers found a group of similar human and animal viruses and named them after their crown-like appearance. Seven coronaviruses can infect humans.

Is COVID-19 still a pandemic according to Dr.Fauci?

The coronavirus will not be going away entirely "Pandemic means a widespread throughout-the-world infection that spreads rapidly among people," Fauci said. "So if you look at the global situation, theres no doubt this pandemic is still ongoing."

Does a coronavirus cause COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a type of virus. There are many different kinds, and some cause disease. A coronavirus identified in 2019, SARS-CoV-2, has caused a pandemic of respiratory illness, called COVID-19.

Is there a difference between the coronavirus disease and COVID-19?

COVID-19 is the name of the disease caused by the new coronavirus that is called SARS-CoV-2, or sometimes just “novel coronavirus”.

Where were first COVID-19 infections discovered?

The first known infections from SARS‐CoV‐2 were discovered in Wuhan, China. The original source of viral transmission to humans remains unclear, as does whether the virus became pathogenic before or after the spillover event.

Can I still have sex during the coronavirus pandemic?

If both of you are healthy and feeling well, are practicing social distancing and have had no known exposure to anyone with COVID-19, touching, hugging, kissing, and sex are more likely to be safe.

Where did the 2019 coronavirus disease outbreak start?

In 2019, a new coronavirus was identified as the cause of a disease outbreak that originated in China.The virus is now known as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease it causes is called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

What are the differences between a pandemic and an epidemic in the context of COVID-19?

• Epidemic is a sudden outbreak of a disease in a certain geographical area.• Pandemic is an outbreak of a disease that has spread across several countries or continents. It is basically an epidemic that has spread internationally and covers a wider geographic area.

Why are COVID-19 cases rising again?

There are a range of factors that contribute to cases rising and falling — climate, behavior, and mitigation efforts (or lack thereof) among them. Scientists are trying to zero in on what the latest increase in cases says about the durability of protection and the ongoing evolution of the virus.

What is a pandemic?

A pandemic is when a disease affects the global population. Pandemics are usually caused by new infectious agents (bacteria or viruses) that spread quickly. A pandemic is a type of epidemic, however a pandemic involves the number of people and the geographical area that the disease affects.

How many people died from smallpox in 430 B.C.?

In 430 B.C., smallpox killed more than 30,000 people in Athens, Greece, reducing the city’s population by at least 20%. The Plague of Justinian, which began in 541 and continued on and off for nearly 200 years, killed 50 million people in the Middle East, Asia and the Mediterranean basin, according to some estimates.

How many people died from the H1N1 virus in 2009?

2009. The global H1N1 flu pandemic may have killed as many as 575,000 people, though only 18,500 deaths were confirmed. The H1N1 virus is a type of swine flu, which is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by the type A influenza virus. 2010.

What caused the Great Plague of London?

The plague is caused by bacteria that are spread by rats that were bitten by infected fleas. 1334. What's known as the Great Plague of London actually started in China in 1334 and spread along trade routes, wiping out entire towns. Florence, Italy, lost a third of its 90,000 residents in the first six months.

When did the modern plague start?

1860. The Modern Plague began in the 1860s and killed more than 12 million people in China, India and Hong Kong. It wasn’t until the 1890s that people figured out how the bacterial infection was being spread and a vaccine was created. 1901. A smallpox epidemic in Boston infected 1,500 people in 1901.

How many people died from AIDS in 1984?

Today more than 35 million people around the world are living with an HIV infection. More than 25 million people have died of AIDS since the first cases were reported.

When did smallpox come to Massachusetts?

1633. Smallpox reached Massachusetts in 1633, brought by settlers from France, Great Britain and the Netherlands. It quickly spread to the Native American population, which had up until now been free of this communicable disease.

How many people died in Florence in 1519?

Florence, Italy, lost a third of its 90,000 residents in the first six months. Overall, Europe lost 25 million people. 1519. There were approximately 25 million people living in what is now called Mexico when Hernando Cortes arrived in 1519.

How many people died from smallpox in the 20th century?

It is impossible to tell how many people died from smallpox but only during the 20th century, the disease is estimated to claim from 300 to 500 million lives. But despite the fact that no new cases were reported since 1980, there are concerns that it could be used for biological warfare as the smallpox virus is still kept in laboratories in the United States and Russia.

What was the worst flu outbreak in history?

The flu pandemic was caused by H1N1 influenza virus, the same strain that caused the so-called swine flu pandemic in 2009. Fortunately, the black scenario did not happen and in August 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the end of the swine flu pandemic.

How has science and medicine improved after the 19th century?

The progress of science and medicine after the 19th century has eradicated many diseases either via vaccination or development of effective treatments. Unfortunately, many of the deadliest diseases in history are still claiming thousands of lives, mostly in the developing countries. At the moment of writing, medicine still does not have a cure for viral diseases, while the industrialized countries are also facing a problem with antibiotic resistance as well as the risk of tropical illnesses spreading to temperate areas as a result of climate change.

What was the cause of the Black Death?

It is caused by a bacterium called Yersinia pestis which is today successfully treated with antibiotics.

How many people died from cancer in 2008?

The disease which meets all the criteria of pandemic except that it is not contagious is currently the most deadly disease in the world. According to the WHO, as many as 7.6 million people died from cancer worldwide in 2008. It can often be cured if discovered and treated early but unfortunately, many types of cancer do not cause any signs or symptoms until the disease has progressed. According to some experts, every third person will develop cancer at some point of life.

How does Plasmodium cause disease?

The disease which is caused by a parasite from the genus Plasmodium is responsible for about 1 million deaths worldwide every year. It is transmitted through a bite of an infected mosquito and is often fatal for young children. It is rare outside the tropical areas but there are concerns that it could spread to temperate areas in case of climate change. No vaccine has been developed so far, while the available treatments are not always effective.

How is the Bubonic Plague transmitted?

The plague bacteria is transmitted to humans through bites of flea that previously fed on an infected animal, usually rat or other rodent.

What are the causes of the spread of infections in the 21st century?

In the 21st century, there are still infections against which we are defenseless and which, despite all the medical advances, bringing advantages more to developed nations, still kill millions of people every year. Poverty, war, hunger, lack of health infrastructure and sanitation, immigration, trade, globalization contribute to the spread ...

What diseases did antibiotics kill?

But antibiotics cannot attack viruses, like HIV or flue virus;

How many people died from TBC?

TBC was found even in mummies coming from the ancient Egypt and Peru. 2 million people die annually of tuberculosis. About 150 million people are estimated to have died of TBC since 1914. One third of the people carry the Koch bacterium, which spreads through the air and affects all the body, especially the lungs.

What is the name of the disease that spread from Crimea to Sicily?

These are infectious diseases that have produced and produce a lot of victims around the world. 1.Black Plague (also called bubonic plague) outbroke in Europe in 1347, when a boat coming from Crimea docked at Mesina, Sicily. Besides its load, the ship transported the pest, which soon spread throughout whole Italy.

How many people are affected by Leishmaniosis?

Leishmaniosis infects 2 million people annually and about 12 million diseased are found worldwide, mostly adult men. It is produced by a protozoa (Leishmania) that spreads through the bite of the sand flies (Phlebotomus).

Why did America escape the Black Death?

2.Americas escaped of the Black Death because of the isolation. But when discovered, the smallpox struck. In 1518 an outbreak of smallpox in the Haiti island left just 1,000 of the Native Indians. 100 years after the discovery of America by Columbus, 90 % of its native population have died of smallpox.

How long does pneumonia last?

Antibiotics work in the case of the bacteria. Therapy includes oxygen, liquids, and physiotherapy. Patients with a simple pneumonia can cure in 2-3 weeks, but elders or those with debilitating diseases can die of respiratory or cardiorespiratory failure.

What is the worst epidemic in history?

The 10 Worst Epidemics In History. The bacteria yersinia pestis was responsible for the Bubonic Plague, or the Black Plague. Despite popular belief the black plague is only the second largest epidemic by death rate. HIV/AID is one of the largest epidemics ongoing that does not have a vaccine. More often than not, epidemics begin in animals ...

Why do epidemics have so many lives?

The reason epidemics have claimed so many lives is that they are usually highly communicable diseases which reach large populations in very short times. The number of cases of the disease quickly exceeds what would normally be expected within the population. These diseases could be viral, bacterial, or other health events (like obesity).

Why did the plague spread so quickly?

This plague was able to spread so quickly because it was carried on the backs of rodents, whose fleas were infected with the bacteria. These rats traveled all over the world on trading ships and helped spread the infection from China to Northern Africa and all over the Mediterranean.

How many people died in the plague of Justinian?

It was responsible for the highest number of lives lost in an epidemic in history. Estimates believe 100 million people died during this time, which was half the world population.

What was the cause of HIV in the 1980s?

By the 1980s, HIV was believed to infect somebody on every continent. Rare lung infections, rapidly advancing cancers, and unexplained immune deficiencies were rampant among gay men, and at the time, doctors believed it was caused by same-sex activity.

What happened after the Black Death?

After the ending of the Black Death, the decline in population resulted in increased wages and cheap land.

How many people have HIV today?

Medicine for treatment was not available until 1987. Today, about 37 million people are living with HIV. For those individuals with access to antiretroviral medication, life expectancy has been extended.

What happened to population levels after the Bubonic Plague?

In certain cases, like that of the bubonic plague, population levels were drastically reduced for centuries afterward. In other cases, such as polio, the infection of a renowned individual led to the further recognition of a disease and the need for a cure. Featured image credit: sciencemag.org.

What are the causes of human death?

Along with natural disasters, infectious diseases are among the top unintentional causes of human death and suffering the world over. Some diseases have left their mark on the human race, warping the course of human history in their wake. In certain cases, like that of the bubonic plague, population levels were drastically reduced ...

How did the Bubonic Plague affect the Church?

Historians believe that the spread of the bubonic plague contributed to the fall of the feudal economic system and caused irreparable damage to the church. Many priests were infected after performing last rites and funeral services. Still more withdrew from their parishes, afraid of contracting the plague.

What was the name of the plague that spread from east to west?

10 Bubonic Plague. Photo credit: National Geographic. The bubonic plague (aka the “ Black Death “) spread across Europe from east to west during the 14th century. The Yersinia pestis bacterium was responsible for the epidemic and used Oriental rat fleas as its intermediary in reaching the human population.

What did the plague show?

The bubonic plague demonstrated early on how human advancements in commerce and trade could fatally spread a pathogen. The plague’s name comes from the Latin word bubo, referring to a pustule or abscess.

How many stages of syphilis are there?

There are four stages of syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease that first appears with a benign chancre at the spot of infection. Secondary syphilis presents with a widespread rash and swollen lymph nodes. The bacteria then enters a latent stage before surfacing as tertiary syphilis, which leads to neuromuscular degeneration, blindness, and dementia.

How many people died from malaria in 2016?

Malaria remains one of the world’s most serious killers, infecting more than 200 million in 2016 and killing almost 500,000.

How many cases of Leprosy are there in the world?

Leprosy is still prevalent today, but usually goes by the name Hansen's disease. Globally, nearly 200,000 cases of Hansen's disease are reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) every year, and it mainly affects people living in low lying, humid, tropical and subtropical areas near the equator, such as India. About 150-200 new cases occur annually in the U.S., most of which involve immigrants from developing countries. However, in 2015, two people acquired leprosy after contact with a nine-banded armadillo. Approximately 15% of armadillos in southern Texas and Louisiana have been found to harbor the bacteria.

When did the plague start?

The first reported pandemic broke out in Egypt in 541 and was designated “The Plague of Justinian”. The last major plague event began in the war-torn Yunnan province of China, reaching Hong Kong in 1894.

What was the cause of the sars?

SARS generated widespread panic in 2003 and was caused by a previously unknown coronavirus (SARS-CoV-1) - the same family of viruses that causes Covid-19. Symptoms of SARS began two to ten days after coming into contact with the virus and included a high fever, headache, body aches, sometimes diarrhea.

How many different types of ebola are there?

There are five different types of ebola virus, four of which are known to cause disease in humans. Ebola was first discovered in 1976 and bats are thought to be the most likely reservoir (natural permanent host) of the virus. The virus readily spreads to humans, and from human-to-human.

How does the plague spread?

Plague is mainly spread through the bite of a flea infected with the plague-causing bacterium, Yersinia pestis. Fleas typically live on small animals such as rats, gerbils, marmots and squirrels and periodically, explosive outbreaks of plague occur among these susceptible hosts.

Which countries have polio?

Only two polio-endemic countries remain, Afghanistan and Pakistan, since Nigeria recorded the last case of wild poliovirus type 1 transmission in September 2018. However, in recent years there has been a spike in polio cases, with over 200 cases of wild polio being reported in 2020, mostly in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

When was the last time smallpox was eradicated?

The last known case of smallpox was in Somalia in 1977. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), smallpox has been successfully eradicated worldwide. This global success is attributed to a mass vaccination campaign that began in 1967 and continued until the WHO announced that the disease had been eliminated.

When did the Europeans first introduce diseases?

Europeans introduced a number of new diseases when they first arrived in the continents of the Americas in 1492. One of these was smallpox, a contagious disease that kills around 30% of those infected.

How many people have died from HIV/AIDS since 1981?

Since 1981, 75 million people have had the HIV virus and approximately 32 million have died as a result. As a sexually transmitted disease for which there is no cure, HIV/AIDS is a persistent epidemic that continues to impact millions of people every year. Despite the lack of a cure for AIDS, antiretroviral therapy medications can control HIV and slow its progress dramatically, allowing someone infected to live a long life.

How many people died from Ebola?

The Ebola virus, named for a river close to the initial outbreak, was limited in its range compared to most modern pandemics but incredibly deadly. It began in a small village in Guinea in 2014 and spread to a handful of neighboring countries in West Africa. The virus killed 11,325 of the 28,600 infected people, with most cases occurring in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Of the 8 Americans who contracted Ebola, one died, according to the CDC.

How many people died from the Spanish flu?

The pandemic was responsible for killing over 50 million people globally.

How many people died in Europe during the Bubonic Plague?

Between 1347 and 1351, bubonic plague spread throughout Europe, killing approximately 25 million people. European population levels took over 200 years to return to their level from before 1347. It likely killed greater numbers in Asia, especially China, where it is thought to have originated.

How many people were infected with H3N2?

While not as deadly as the 1918 influenza outbreak, H3N2 was exceptionally contagious, with 500,000 people becoming infected within 2 weeks of the first reported case, in Hong Kong. The pandemic helped the global health community understand the vital role of vaccinations in preventing future outbreaks.

What is the deadliest disease in the world?

1. Ischemic heart disease, or coronary artery disease. The deadliest disease in the world is coronary artery disease (CAD). Also called ischemic heart disease, CAD occurs when the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart become narrowed. Untreated CAD can lead to chest pain, heart failure, and arrhythmias.

What is the most common type of dementia?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia — 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases are in fact Alzheimer’s. The disease starts off by causing mild memory problems, difficulty recalling information, and slips in recollection.

Why is the death rate of CAD declining?

This may be due to better public health education, access to healthcare, and forms of prevention. However, in many developing nations, mortality rates of CAD are on the rise.

How to prevent lower respiratory infections?

People at high risk of pneumonia can also get a vaccine. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water to avoid transmitted bacteria, especially before touching your face and before eating.

What is COPD in medical terms?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term, progressive lung disease that makes breathing difficult. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are types of COPD. In 2004, about 64 million people#N#Trusted Source#N#around the world were living with COPD.

What is the result of cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is the result of chronic or long-term scarring and damage to the liver. The damage may be the result of a kidney disease, or it can be caused by conditions like hepatitis and chronic alcoholism. A healthy liver filters harmful substances from your blood and sends healthy blood into your body. As substances damage the liver, scar tissue forms. As more scar tissue forms, the liver has to work harder to function properly. Ultimately, the liver may stop working.

Is the deadliest disease preventable?

Perhaps even more surprising is that several of the deadliest diseases are partially preventable. Non-preventable factors include where a person lives, access to preventive care, and quality of healthcare. These all factor into risk. But there are still steps everyone can take to lower their risk.

Which disease is in the top 10?

Malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS all remain in the top 10. However, all three are falling significantly. The biggest decrease among the top 10 deaths in this group has been for HIV/AIDS, with 59% fewer deaths in 2019 than in 2000, or 161 000 and 395 000 respectively.

What are the most common causes of death in low income countries?

Despite the global decline, six of the top 10 causes of death in low-income countries are communicable diseases. Malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS all remain in the top 10. However, all three are falling significantly.

What are the leading causes of death in 2019?

At a global level, 7 of the 10 leading causes of deaths in 2019 were noncommunicable diseases. These seven causes accounted for 44% of all deaths or 80% of the top 10. However, all noncommunicable diseases together accounted for 74% of deaths globally in 2019. The world’s biggest killer is ischaemic heart disease, ...

How many people died from respiratory infections in 2019?

However, the number of deaths has gone down substantially: in 2019 it claimed 2.6 million lives, 460 000 fewer than in 2000. Neonatal conditions are ranked 5th.

Why is routine collection and analysis of high-quality data on deaths and causes of death, as well as data on disability

The routine collection and analysis of high-quality data on deaths and causes of death, as well as data on disability, disaggregated by age, sex and geographic location, is essential for improving health and reducing deaths and disability across the world.

How many people died from pulmonary disease in 2019?

Since 2000, the largest increase in deaths has been for this disease, rising by more than 2 million to 8.9 million deaths in 2019. Stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are the 2nd and 3rd leading causes of death, responsible for approximately 11% and 6% of total deaths respectively.

How many people died from Alzheimer's in 2019?

Deaths due to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias have increased, overtaking stroke to become the second leading cause in high-income countries, and being responsible for the deaths of 814 000 people in 2019.