In the year 2020, the Coronavirus plagued the world like never before, and many were convinced that COVID-19 was the deadliest pandemic ever recorded. Spoiler alert: it isn’t. By contrast, there are several diseases that plagued humanity for decades — if not centuries — that left a festering pile of damage in their trail. The COVID pandemic is still at large, and we must confess that it isn’t going to make the list of the ten deadliest pandemics ever recorded in human history.
Related media: Pandemics Worse Than Novel Coronavirus In The History Of Mankind
#10. Third Cholera Pandemic (1852 – 1860)
Disease: Asiatic cholera;
Infection: Bacterial; Agent: Vibrio cholerae serogroup O1 or O139; Mode: consuming water from contaminated sources;
Symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting, and severe dehydration;
Death toll: approx. 23,000 casualties.
The cholera pandemic was a global outbreak originating in India and spreading to Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa. This waterborne disease emphasized the crucial role of sanitation and clean water in preventing its transmission, contributing to advancements in public health measures.
Have you ever been infected with Cholera before?
#9. Asian Flu (1956 – 1958)
Disease: Influenza;
Infection: Viral; Agent: probably wild ducks and human mutations; Mode: contagious, air borne;
Symptoms: coughing, headache, severe fever, loss of appetite, chills, and fatigue.
Death toll: approx. 1 to 4 million casualties.
This was a severe influenza pandemic caused by the H2N2 virus. Originating in East Asia, it quickly spread worldwide, causing widespread illness and fatalities. This outbreak highlighted the importance of international cooperation in monitoring diseases and developing vaccines, serving as a crucial lesson in addressing emerging infectious threats.
Have you ever been infected with Influenza before?
#8. WWI Typhus (1918 – 1922)
Disease: Typhus;
Infection: Bacterial; Agent: infestation with lice; Mode: contact with louse infested people;
Symptoms: severe headache and backache, delirium, diarrhea, coughing, fatigue, high fever, and very high temperature.
Death toll: approx. 2.5 million casualties.
During World War I, the typhus disease — often transmitted by lice — posed a significant health risk affecting both soldiers and civilians in crowded and unsanitary conditions. This highlighted the critical role of public health measures in managing infectious diseases during wartime.
Have you ever been infected with Typhus before?
#7. Cocoliztli (1545 – 1548 & 1576 -1578)
Disease: Cocoliztli;
Infection: Viral; Agent: hemorrhagic fevers; Mode: contact with infected patients;
Symptoms: black tongue, dysentery, severe abdominal pain, bleeding from eyes, nose and mouth.
Death toll: approx. 5 to 15 million casualties.
It occurred in two devastating waves, a series of severe epidemics during the Aztec Empire. Believed to be outbreaks of viral hemorrhagic fever, these events led to immense human casualties, significantly impacting the population. Cocoliztli remains a tragic chapter in history, emphasizing the profound consequences of infectious diseases on civilizations.
Have you ever been infected with Cocoliztli before?
#6. Antonine Plague (165 – 180 C.E)
Disease: Bubonic plague or probably smallpox;
Infection: Bacterial; Agent: probably smallpox virus; Mode: contact with infected patients;
Symptoms: coughing, running nose, high fever, diarrhea, body rash 3 to 5 days later.
Death toll: approx. 5 to 10 million casualties.
The plague was a pandemic in the Roman Empire likely caused by smallpox or measles, resulting in significant deaths and lasting social and economic effects. It emphasized the challenges ancient societies faced in dealing with epidemic diseases and the vulnerability of large populations. With a daily toll of 2,000 lives, it even claimed that of emperors Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius.
Have you ever been infected with the Plague before?
#5. HIV/AIDS (1980 – present)
Disease: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome;
Infection: Viral; Agent: Human Immunodeficiency Virus; Mode: sexual transmission, blood contact with infected items;
Symptoms: weakened immune system, fever, loss of weight, fatigue, body weakness, and finally death.
Death toll: approx. 10 million casualties and still counting.
HIV/AIDS has been a major pandemic since the 1980s, weakening the immune system, and leading to serious health issues. It is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which leads to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) — hence the name.
It has sparked global prevention, treatment, and research efforts, though it remains a significant health challenge. This ongoing health crisis has had profound social, medical, and economic impacts worldwide. Despite advancements in treatment and prevention, HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health challenge.
Have you ever been infected with HIV before?
#4. Justinian Plague (541 – 542 C.E)
Disease: Bubonic plague;
Infection: Bacterial; Agent: rodents carrying plague-infested fleas (Yersinia pestis); Mode: contact with infected patients;
Symptoms: sudden fever, headache, chills, swollen lymph, vomiting, rashes, gangrene, and an increased sensitivity to light.
Death toll: approx. 30 to 50 million casualties.
The Justinian Plague was a severe pandemic in the Byzantine Empire, probably caused by Y. pestis. It caused widespread death and had significant social and economic effects, revealing the susceptibility of ancient populations to infectious diseases. With a daily toll of 5,000, it decimated 40 percent of the empire.
Have you ever been infected with the Plague before?
#3. Spanish Flu (1918 -1920)
Disease: Influenza;
Infection: Viral; Agent: H1N1 influenza; Mode: contagious, air borne;
Symptoms: severe fever, coughing, headache, soar throat, chills, running nose, loss of appetite, and fatigue.
Death toll: approx. 25 to 50 million casualties.
This was a devastating influenza pandemic caused by the H1N1 virus. It infected one-third of the global population and led to millions of deaths. The pandemic had profound social and economic impacts, highlighting the importance of public health measures and global cooperation in managing infectious diseases.
Have you ever been infected with Influenza before?
#2. SmallPox (1870-1874)
Disease: Variola;
Infection: Viral; Agent: variola virus; Mode: contact with infected patients;
Symptoms: headache, backache, rashes, small bump, blister, scab, fever, chills, and vomiting.
Death toll: approx. 300 million casualties.
This epidemic was a significant health crisis caused by the variola virus. Marked by fever and a distinctive rash, it led to widespread illness and mortality during this period. The outbreak emphasized the need for vaccination campaigns and public health measures to control and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Have you ever been infected with Smallpox before?
#1. The Black Death (1346 – 1353)
Disease: Bubonic plague;
Infection: Bacterial; Agent: migrating rodents or fleas; Mode: contact with infected patients;
Symptoms: fever, coughing with blood, chills, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, rashes, bubo, delirium, and an increased sensitivity to light — hence the name “Black.”
Death toll: approx. 75 to 200 million casualties.
The Black Death was a devastating pandemic caused by the bacterium Y. pestis. This deadly disease, transmitted through fleas infesting rats, led to the deaths of millions across Europe, Asia, and Africa. It had profound societal, economic, and cultural impacts, reshaping the course of history and leaving a lasting mark on the medieval world.
Have you ever been infected with the Plague before?
What’s even more? Hong Kong Flu (1968 – 1969), Third Plague Pandemic (1855 – 1959),
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Written by: Nana Kwadwo, Sun, Nov 07, 2021.
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