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 that are then transmitted to
humans.
OVERVIEW: 10 Worst Epidemics In History
1. Plague of Justinian (Years: 541-542); Number of
deaths: 100 million
2. Black Plague (Years: 1346-1350); Number of deaths: 50
million
3. HIV/AIDS (Years: 1960-present); Number of deaths: 39
million
4. Spanish Flu (Years: 1918-1920); Number of deaths: 20
million
5. Modern Plague (Years: 1894-1903); Number of deaths: 10
million
6. Asian Flu (Years: 1957-1958); Number of deaths: 2
million
7. The Sixth Cholera Pandemic (Years: 1899-1923; Number
of deaths: 1.5 million
8. Russian Flu (Years: 1889-1890); Number of deaths: 1
million
9. Hong Kong Flu Years: 1968-1969; Number of deaths: 1
million
10. The Fifth Cholera Pandemic (Years: 1881-1896); Number
of deaths: 981,899
Throughout history, epidemics have been responsible for
hundreds of thousands of lives lost. 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). Some
epidemics have been so great that they left a permanent impact on the
population at the time. Some of the worst of these can be found below.
Epidemics With The Highest Number Of Deaths
Plague
Of Justinian (Byzantine Empire, 541 - 750)
The Plague of Justinian hit humanity between 541 and 542
AD. 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. 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. The Plague of Justinian is attributed with having weakened the
Byzantine Empire in several ways. The military lost power and was no longer
able to fend off intruders. Farmers became sick, and agricultural production
declined. With a smaller agricultural base, income taxes fell. Thousands of
people died daily at the height of the destructive plague.
Black
Plague (Mostly Europe, 1346 To 1350)
The Black Plague claimed the lives of 50 million people
from 1346 to 1350. The outbreak began in Asia and, once again, was carried
throughout the world by rats covered with infected fleas. After its arrival in
Europe, it spread death and destruction. Europe lost 60% of its population to
the Black Death. Symptoms of this disease began with swelling of the lymph
nodes, either in the groin, armpit, or neck. After 6 to 10 days of infection
and sickness, 80% of infected people die. The virus was spread via blood and
airborne particles. This epidemic changed the course of European history. The
lack of understanding of the origin of the disease led the Christian population
to blame the Jewish community of poisoning the water wells; as a result of this
accusation, thousands of Jews were killed. Others believed it was punishment
dealt from Heaven for leading sinful lives. The world saw agricultural
shortages as in the Plague of Justinian, and malnutrition and hunger were
rampant. After the ending of the Black Death, the decline in population
resulted in increased wages and cheap land. The available area was used for
animal husbandry and meat consumption throughout the region increased.
HIV/AIDS (Worldwide,
1960- Present)
The HIV/AIDS epidemic began in 1960 and continues to the
present day, although the scariest moments happened during the 1980s when the
world became informed of its existence. So far, this virus has caused the death
of 39 million people. 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. A large number of Haitians were
also carriers of the virus, which were not named until 1982. Cases were
identified in Europe and Africa. In 1983, it was discovered that transmission
occurred via heterosexual activities as well. 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. Currently, this virus is particularly aggressive in Sub-Saharan
Africa, where at least 68% of all global HIV/AIDS infections are found. The reasons
for this are many but stem from poor economic conditions and little to no sex
education.
Other Epidemics
Other epidemics that have resulted in numerous deaths
include the: 1918 Flu (20 million deaths); Modern Plague, 1894-1903 (10
million); Asian Flu, 1957-1958 (2 million); Sixth Cholera Pandemic, 1899-1923
(1.5 million); Russian Flu, 1889-1890 (1 million); Hong Kong Flu,
1968-1969 (1 million); and the Fifth Cholera Pandemic, 1881-1896 (981,899).
Future Epidemics
The next global epidemic is the fear of many public
health professionals. Given the ease of mobility and absolute globalization of
today, a rapidly spreading disease that could wipe out the population is easy
to imagine. The likelihood that this epidemic would come from animals is very
high. New infectious pathogens are being discovered every day. Large farms pose
the greatest danger because of the constant contact between animals and people;
the potential of cross-contagion is increased. It is important that governments
and public health officials maintain a strong, vigilant network to prevent
widespread diseases in the future.