Top Worst Epidemics Throughout History

Plague of Justinian (Byzantine Empire, 541 – 750)

The Justinian Plague struck humanity between 541 and 542 AD. It was responsible for the greatest number of deaths in an epidemic in history. According to estimates, 100 million people perished during this period, accounting for half of the world’s population. This plague spread so swiftly because it was carried on the backs of rats, whose fleas were infected with the germs. These rats travelled the world on commercial ships, spreading the virus from China to Northern Africa and all the way to the Mediterranean. The Plague of Justinian is said to have harmed the Byzantine Empire in numerous ways. The military lost authority and was no longer able to repel attackers. Income taxes dropped as the agricultural base shrank. At the height of the plague’s devastation, thousands of people died every day.

Black Plague (Mostly Europe, 1346 to 1350) 

Between 1346 and 1350, the Black Plague killed 50 million people. The pandemic started in Asia and was transmitted throughout the world by rats coated in infected fleas. It spread death and damage once it arrived in Europe. The Black Death wiped off 60% of Europe’s population. The enlargement of lymph nodes in the groyne, armpit, or neck was the first sign of this illness. 80% of infected patients die within 6 to 10 days of infection and illness. The virus transmitted by blood and airborne particles. This disease altered the path of European history. Because of a lack of knowledge of the disease’s origin, the Christian populace accused the Jewish community of poisoning the water wells; as a result of this charge, thousands of Jews were slain. Others said it was Heaven’s retribution for living a bad life. The world experienced agricultural shortages similar to the Justinian Plague, and famine and hunger were widespread. Following the end of the Black Death, the population drop resulted in higher salaries and cheaper land. The abundant land was used for animal husbandry, and meat consumption expanded throughout the region.

HIV/AIDS (Worldwide, 1960- Present)

The HIV/AIDS epidemic began in 1960 and continues to this day, however the most terrifying moments occurred throughout the 1980s, when the world became aware of its presence. This epidemic has already claimed the lives of 39 million people. HIV was thought to infect someone on every continent by the 1980s. Rare lung infections, quickly progressing malignancies, and unexplained immune deficits were common among homosexual men, and doctors assumed it was due to same-sex activities at the time. A high number of Haitians were infected with the virus, which was not identified until 1982. Cases have been found throughout Europe and Africa. It was revealed in 1983 that transmission might also occur through heterosexual activities. Treatment did not become accessible until 1987. Approximately 37 million individuals are infected with HIV today. Life expectancy has increased for people who have access to antiretroviral therapy. This virus is now extremely active in Sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for at least 68% of all worldwide HIV/AIDS infections. There are several causes for this, but they all come from low economic situations and little to no sex education.

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Other Epidemics

The 1918 Flu (20 million deaths); the Modern Plague, 1894-1903 (10 million); the Asian Flu, 1957-1958 (2 million); the Sixth Cholera Pandemic, 1899-1923 (1.5 million); the Russian Flu, 1889-1890 (1 million); the Hong Kong Flu, 1968-1969 (1 million); and the Fifth Cholera Pandemic, 1881-1896 (981,899).