History’s Most Devastating Pandemics: A Countdown of the Top 10

Jan 07, 2025 Komal Das

The Black Death (1346-1353) killed 75-200 million people, spread by flea-infested rats. It caused widespread panic, symptoms like fever and buboes, and led to social and labor changes

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HIV/AIDS, since 1976, has killed 36 million. It spreads through sex, needles, and from mother to child. ART has made it manageable, with South Africa facing the largest epidemic

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The Spanish Flu (1918-1920) killed 50-100 million, infecting a third of the world, mostly young adults. It spread through WWI troop movements, with no vaccines at the time

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The Plague of Justinian (541 AD) killed 25-100 million, spreading through fleas on rats. It worsened due to poor sanitation and had recurring impacts for centuries

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COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, began in December 2019, causing 7 million deaths by 2024, with the emergency ending in May 2023

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The Antonine Plague (165 AD) caused 5 million deaths in the Roman Empire, spread by soldiers from Parthia, with a 25% mortality rate

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The Asian Flu (1956-1958) caused 1-4 million deaths, spreading from China to other continents. Vaccines and public health measures helped control it by late 1957

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The Third Cholera Pandemic (1852-1860) caused 1 million deaths, spreading via contaminated water. John Snow's discovery led to better sanitation

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The Russian Flu (1889-1890) caused 1 million deaths, spreading via increased travel. Symptoms were similar to the flu, with isolation measures but no vaccines

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The Hong Kong Flu (1968-1969) caused 1 million deaths, spreading globally, with higher mortality in older adults

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