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Smallpox
Smallpox symptoms include high fever, chills, severe back pain, and rashes. In 1721 more than 6,000 cases were reported in Boston out of a population of 11,000. In 1770 a vaccine was developed. Now the disease is completely gone from the US and the vaccine is no longer necessary. -
Yellow fever
Yellow fever causes yellowing of the skin, fever, and bloody vomiting. During the 1793 outbreak its estimated that 10% of the cities population died, others fled to escape the horrible disease. This disease can be spread through mosquitos. A vaccine was developed in 1953, and is recommended for those of 9 months and older. -
Cholera
Cholera is an infection of the intestines. New York was the first US city to feel the impact of the disease, between 5-10% of the total population died in large cities. Cholera can cause death so immediate treatment is crucial. Cholera still causes 95,000 deaths a year worldwide. -
Scarlet fever
Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that can occur after strep throat. This disease most commonly affects children in the age range of 5-15. There is no vaccine for Scarlet fever, it is mostly treated with antibiotics. This disease causes a sore throat and rashes covering the body. -
“Typhoid Mary”
This was one of the biggest typhoid fever epidemics of all time. Marry Mallon spread te disease to about 122 New Yorkers during her time as a cook, which led to 13,160 deaths in 1906. This disease causes sickness and red spots from the chest to abdomen. A vaccine was developed in 1911, and antibiotics in 1948. Present day this disease is rare, but can still be spread through direct contact or food and water. -
Polio
Polio is a viral disease that affects the nervous system, causing paralysis. The virus spreads through direct contact, and affected many people. In 1955 a vaccine was approved, and by 1962 the cases dropped to an average of 910. Now a days everybody has the vaccine, and the disease is no longer around. -
H1N1 flu
In 1918 this was the first type of flu behind the influenza pandemic. Influenza stains mutate every year making last years vaccine less effective. Today’s treatment include bed rest, fluids, and antiviral medications. -
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a disease that causes swelling of the mucous membranes, including your throat. This can cause obstruct breathing and swallowing. This disease can cause fatal heart and nerve damage if it enters your bloodstream. By mid 1920s a vaccine was made and now more than 80% of US children are vaccinated. -
Whooping Cough
Whooping Cough is highly contagious and one of the most commonly occurring diseases in the US. This disease affected many children and infants, 10 infants passed away. All children are to have the Whooping Cough vaccine in order to prevent the disease. -
COVID-19
This pandemic is huge, as of May 2020 there were over million cases, and over 100,000 deaths. This disease can be life threatening, and can even cause death. To help prevent the spread the US has taken precautions, we are to wear masks, and socially distance at least 6 feet.
