The Most Lethal Viruses Known To Mankind

Though we cannot see them, viruses are scarier than spiders and any creepy-crawling bug anyone can imagine. Many of them have wiped out millions of individuals before a vaccine was established and survivors are often left with permanent reminders of their illness. One particularly scary virus does not even make affected individuals feel sick and it comes with up to a seventy percent chance of death for those who catch it. Here are some of the most lethal viruses known to mankind that will have you washing your hands every chance you get.

Influenza

According to the World Health Organization, up to five hundred thousand individuals worldwide will die during the typical influenza season each year. A flu pandemic occurs when a new strain of the flu emerges. The worst ever recorded flu pandemic was the Spanish flu in 1918, which killed fifty to 100 million individuals in two years, including individuals in remote locations, such as the Arctic. This unusually deadly pandemic was the first of two influenza pandemics involving the H1N1 strain. Flu vaccines are available now; however, these only cover the most likely strains to appear in a given year, and may not always prevent the flu entirely, though they will shorten the illness and make it less severe should the patient still fall ill.

Rabies

The story of rabies dates back to 2300 B.C. when Babylonians who were bitten by dogs went mad and died. While exposure to the virus is rare in North America today, rabies is still a serious problem in parts of Africa and India. Vaccines are available to prevent the sickness associated with bites from infected animals. If left untreated, the rabies virus attacks the central nervous system and death will ensue. Symptoms may include hallucinations, raging, and violent behavior, along with hydrophobia, which is the fear of water.