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World's Deadliest Diseases That Impacted Human History

Humanity has witnessed several devastating and deadly diseases throughout history. Now fuelled by globalisation, deadly local outbreaks pose an instant threat to all humankind despite advances in medical science. Hence, it is important to secure yourself against these diseases with the right health insurance plan.
 

Communicable diseases are one of the greatest threats humankind faces. They have existed for ages, wreaking havoc around the world and ravaging human lives. Diseases like smallpox, malaria, plague and Spanish flu are a few examples. 
 

In this article, we will discuss the nine world’s deadliest diseases that took millions of lives across the globe, some of which are still prevalent.

List of World’s Deadliest Diseases that Impacted Human History

  1. Bubonic Plague

    The bubonic plague, known as the “Black Death” and “The Pestilence,” is one of the most dangerous diseases in history. The bite of a flea infected with Yersinia pestis (a bacterium) causes plague. Fleas usually live on tiny animals like marmots, rats and squirrels. 
     

    The first instance of bubonic plague took place between 541-549 AD. Between 1346 and 1353, the disease took over most of the Mediterranean and Europe. It wiped out more than 60% of Europe’s population. 
     

    Headache, chills, swollen and painful lymph nodes and lung infections are some symptoms of bubonic plague. Plague can now be cured in most cases with antibiotics.
     

    Outbreak 

    Occurrence 

    Number of deaths

    First Plague Outbreak 

    541-549 AD in Africa, Asia and Europe 

    15-100 million 

    Second Plague Outbreak 

    1346-1353 in Europe and Northern Africa 

    75-200 million 

    Third Plague Outbreak 

    1855-1912, all over the world but mainly in India and China 

    12-15 million 


  2. Spanish Flu (Influenza)

    Variants of Influenza viruses cause influenza or flu. The disease affects the respiratory system and is highly contagious. The first known occurrence of the influenza epidemic goes back to 1510. However, the flu pandemic that occurred between 1918 and 1920 was most severe, which was caused by the H1N1 virus. It is popularly known as the “Spanish Flu” or “The Great Influenza Epidemic.” 
     

    While humans are host to many Influenza viruses, a pandemic occurs only when a new strain is transmitted to humans from animals like ducks, pigs and chickens. Fever, sore throat, runny nose, headache and watery red eyes are a few symptoms of Influenza. 
     

    Type of virus 

    Occurrence 

    Number of deaths 

    Unknown 

    1510

    Around 1% of the infected people 

    Unknown 

    1557-1559 in Asia, Africa, Americas and Europe 

    Unknown 

    Unknown 

    1732–1733 in North America

    Unknown 

    Unknown 

    1847–1848, worldwide 

    Unknown 

    H3N8 or H2N2

    1889–90 flu pandemic, worldwide

    1 million

    H1N1

    1918–20 “Spanish flu”, worldwide

    17–100 million

    H2N2

    1957–1958 “Asian flu”, worldwide

    1–4 million

    H3N2

    Hong Kong flu, worldwide

    1–4 million

    H1N1

    1977 Russian flu, worldwide

    700,000

    H1NI/09

    2009 Swine flu, worldwide

    151,700–575,400

    H1N1

    2015 Indian Swine flu in India

    2,035


  3. Cholera 

    One of the most dangerous diseases, cholera, involves an acute intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio Cholerae. Contaminated food and water are the common mediums of spread and can lead to small outbreaks. These outbreaks can spread quickly if sanitation systems are not managed properly. 
     

    Common symptoms of cholera include vomiting, profuse cramping and watery diarrhoea. If the person is not treated on time, the symptoms can turn severe, causing death within hours. 
     

    Outbreak 

    Occurrence 

    Number of deaths

    First Cholera Pandemic 

    1817–1824 in Asia and Europe

    100,000+

    Second Cholera Pandemic 

    1826–1837 in Asia, Europe and North America

    100,000+

    Third Cholera Pandemic 

    1846–1860, worldwide

    1 million+

    Fourth Cholera Pandemic 

    1863–1875 in the Middle East

    600,000

    Fifth Cholera Pandemic 

    1881–1896 in Asia, Africa, Europe and South America

    298,600

    Sixth Cholera Pandemic 

    1899–1923, in Europe, Asia and Africa

    800,000+

    Eighth cholera Epidemic 

    1947 in Egypt

    10,277

    Seventh Cholera Pandemic 

    1961–1975, worldwide

    Unknown

    Bangladesh Cholera Epidemic

    1991 in Bangladesh

    8,410–9,432

    Latin America Cholera Epidemic 

    1991–1993 in Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, El Salvador and Guatemala

    8,000

    Zimbabwean Cholera Outbreak 

    2008–09 in Zimbabwe

    4,293

    Haiti Cholera Outbreak 

    2010-2019 in Haiti

    10,075

    Yemen Cholera Outbreak 

    2016–2021 in Yemen

    3,886 (as of 30th November 2019)


  4. Smallpox

    Now eradicated through vaccination, smallpox has been the most dangerous disease in the world. It is a contagious viral infection caused by the Variola virus. Humans are the only hosts of smallpox. Transmission may occur due to direct contact with the infected person, contaminated bedding or clothing or through bodily fluids. The origin of the smallpox virus is unknown, but it has been around for centuries. 
     

    In 1798, Edward Jenner paved the way for vaccination that helped tackle the disease. Fever, skin rashes, vomiting and fluid-filled bumps were common symptoms of smallpox. 
     

    Outbreak 

    Occurrence 

    Number of deaths

    Japanese Smallpox Epidemic 

    735-737

    2 million 

    Mexico Smallpox Epidemic 

    1520

    5-8 million

    Chile Smallpox Epidemic 

    1561

    Unknown 

    Iceland Smallpox Epidemic 

    1707-1709

    18000+

    North Carolina Smallpox Epidemic 

    1738-1739

    7,700–11,700

    North American Smallpox Epidemic 

    1775-1782

    11,000+

    New South Wales Smallpox Epidemic 

    1789-1790

    Unknown

    New South Wales Smallpox Epidemic 

    1828-1829

    19,000

    Great Plains Smallpox Epidemic 

    1837

    17,000+

    Pacific Northwest Smallpox Epidemic 

    1862

    20,000+

    Europe Smallpox Epidemic 

    1870-1875

    500,000

    Smallpox Epidemic in India 

    1974

    15,000


  5. HIV/AIDS

    Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a viral infection that affects the body’s immune system. The most advanced stage of HIV is known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV has been around since 1981, killing millions. 
     

    Unprotected sexual contact, infected blood transfusion and intravenous drug use are some causes of HIV transmission. HIV is the world’s deadliest virus that destroys the white blood cells of the human body. It gradually weakens the immunity of the infected person. As a result, the person becomes more prone to infections and diseases like tuberculosis and cancer. 
     

    At the end of 2022, around 39 million people were living with HIV across the globe. While there is no cure for the disease, antiretroviral treatment and awareness have helped reduce HIV-related deaths globally. 
     

  6. Ebola

    Ebola is caused by the Ebola filovirus. It is a rare and deadly disease and was first discovered in 1976. While several Ebola outbreaks have erupted in Africa, the outbreaks between 2013 and 2016 have been the most devastating. 
     

    Around 28,600 people got infected, and 11,325 people died in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. Bats are considered natural hosts of the Ebola virus. The disease can spread through infected bodily fluids, contaminated objects like syringes and direct contact with vomits. Fever, severe headache, sore throat, diarrhoea, bleeding, and bruising and decreased liver and kidney function are some symptoms of Ebola. 
     

  7. Dengue

    Dengue is spread by the Aedes species of mosquito carrying the dengue virus. The earliest report of this disease is from 1779. Since then, till the 20th century, dengue cases were few. However, ecological disruption has led to more frequent dengue outbreaks. 
     

    Dengue is a tropical disease and causes symptoms like headache, high fever, muscle and joint pain and skin rash. Acute cases can involve severe fever, hemorrhagic bleeding and even death. Luckily, a vaccine for the dengue virus is now available. 
     

  8. Malaria

    Malaria is caused by the female Anopheles mosquito carrying malaria parasites. The symptoms of the disease include tiredness, fever, headaches and vomiting. Severe cases of malaria can also involve seizures, yellow skin, coma and even death. If not treated properly, malaria symptoms can reoccur after months or years. 
     

    Outbreak 

    Occurrence 

    Number of deaths

    South America Malaria Epidemic 

    1600-1650

    Unknown 

    Pacific Northwest Malaria Epidemic 

    1829-1833

    1,50,000

    Netherlands Malaria Epidemic 

    1829

    2,800

    Ceylon Malaria Outbreak 

    1906

    80,000

    Egypt Malaria Epidemic 

    1942-1944

    Unknown 

    India Malaria Outbreak 

    2006

    17


  9. COVID-19

    The COVID-19 disease was first reported in 2019 in Wuhan. It soon turned into a pandemic and spread across the globe like wildfire. COVID-19 not only led to unprecedented lockdowns, but its social and economic impacts are still lingering. 
     

    The disease is caused by SARS-CoV-2, which is one of the world’s most deadliest viruses. The disease can be transmitted via droplets and airborne particulars expelled by infected people. Symptoms of COVID-19 usually appear after 2 to 14 days of virus exposure. 
     

    Mild symptoms can include fever, loss of smell and fatigue. While there is no standard cure for coronavirus disease, you can manage it through vaccines, antivirals and oxygen support. As of September 2023, around 6.9 million people have died of the COVID-19 disease.

Wrapping Up

For centuries, human lives have been ravaged by several diseases. Earlier, the impact of these diseases was limited to some regions. However, increased human population and global travel have the potential to turn local outbreaks into global threats, as seen in the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, staying protected against communicable diseases is more crucial than ever. 
 

Buying a health insurance plan is one of the ways to tackle disease outbreaks. It ensures you remain free from financial worries while fighting against illnesses. You can also invest in a life insurance policy to give your loved ones a financial safety net.

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Tata AIA Life Insurance

A joint venture between Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd. and AIA Group Ltd. (AIA),  Tata AIA Life Insurance  is one of the leading life insurance providers in India. We post everything you need to know about life insurance, tax savings and a variety of lateral topics such as savings and investments in this space. You can access and read a host of different blogs, articles and pages at the Tata AIA Life Insurance Knowledge Center or get in touch with us with any queries or questions!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can health insurance help me if I get infected by a disease?

Life is unpredictable. An unforeseen illness can lead to stress and agony. While undergoing treatment, financial constraints can further amplify your misery. By buying a health insurance plan, you can ensure financial security in such difficult times. Health insurance can take care of your bills in times of medical inflation without depleting your savings.

Why should I buy a life insurance policy?

Buying a life insurance policy is one of the most crucial steps in financial planning. Life insurance can provide you and your loved ones with a financial safety net. When you have life insurance by your side, you have peace of mind as you know your family has a secure financial future even when you are not around. Moreover, buying life insurance can also help you save on taxes. You can claim tax deductions on the payment of premiums.

Disclaimers

  • Insurance cover is available under the product.

  • The products are underwritten by Tata AIA Life Insurance Company Ltd.

  • The plans are not a guaranteed issuance plan, and it will be subject to Company’s underwriting and acceptance.

  • For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions please read the sales brochure carefully before concluding a sale.

  • This blog is for information and illustrative purposes only and does not purport to any financial or investment services and do not offer or form part of any offer or recommendation. The information is not and should not be regarded as investment advice or as a recommendation regarding any particular security or course of action.

  • Please know the associated risks and the applicable charges, from your Insurance agent or the Intermediary or policy document issued by the insurance company.

  • Every effort is made to ensure that all information contained in this blog is accurate at the date of publication, however, the Tata AIA Life shall not have any liability for any damages of any kind (including but not limited to errors and omissions) whatsoever relating to this material.