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541 BCE
Plague of Justinian
Struck the Byzantine Empire. The bacterium responsible has been identified as your Sania pestis, commonly know as bubonic plague a pathogen carried by rats and transferred to humans through fleas.
25 to 50 million people died. -
1347
Black Death
In 1347 ships returned to the shores of Sicily filled with sailors stricken by a mysterious illness that formed dark swellings or buboes and the armpits and groin. The venetians banned sailors from entering their cities for 40 days. In italy this was called "Cuarenta G or Denis" wich means 40 days. While these quarantine efforts did help to deter the outbreak in the end the Black Death took up to 200 million lives across Eurasia. -
Smallpox
Smallpox disease is caused by the variola virus. Its name refers to the pustules that appeared on the skin. This serious and extremely contagious disease spread when the conquerors arrived in America, affecting populations with very low defenses. In Europe it had a period of dramatic expansion during the 18th century. -
Spanish Flu
The most recent mass pandemic struck in 1918 and infected 500 million worldwide unlike most diseases. Spanish flu impacted young adults the hardest half of those that died were between the ages of 20 and 40. By the end of 1920 Spanish flu claimed the lives of 50 to 100 million. -
HIV
Acquired immunodeficiency virus, HIV, better known as AIDS. Its origin is believed to be animal, and its effects are something that could be described as depleting the immune system. Its contagion occurs through contact with body fluids. It has caused the death of up to 25 million people worldwide. -
COVID-19
Is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Anyone can get sick with covid-19 and become seriously ill or diet at any age.