- By Aditi Priya Singh
- Fri, 03 Jan 2025 04:18 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Most Dangerous Viruses In History: Throughout history, certain viruses have caused widespread dread and destruction worldwide. These harmful viruses have resulted in lethal pandemics, claiming millions of lives and affecting public health systems. From Ebola, and HIV/AIDS to Swine flu and Coronavirus, many certain viruses have impacted humanity on a huge level.
At present China’s HMPV virus is making headlines as the country has declared an emergency. The symptoms of HMPV are cough, fever, nasal congestion, sore throat and shortness of breath.HMPV virus is affecting mostly children and older people. Apart from this, Rabies, influenza and many new viruses are ongoing worldwide.
Lately, the world has suffered drastically from the COVID-19 virus and still overcoming it. Be it health infrastructure or the financial economy the the nation, viruses are always proven to be costly. Here is the list of the top 10 dangerous and deadly viruses of the world’s history that impacted humanity on the huge level.
1. Marburg Virus (1967)
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Top 10 Deadliest viruses(Image: Canva)
First recognised in 1967, the Marburg virus spreads through direct contact with infected individuals or animals. It caused fever, vomiting and bleeding, often leading to death. Several outbreaks have occurred in Africa with a high mortality rate.
2. Ebola Virus (1976)
Ebola virus was first identified in 1976, with outbreaks in Africa. This virus mostly spreads through bodily fluids that cause severe fever, bleeding and organ failure, with a high death rate. The virus took thousands of lives at that time. There is no cure yet, but vaccines have helped in controlling outbreaks.
3. HIV/AIDS Virus (1980)
The HIV causes AIDS, which weakens the immune system. It spreads through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child. This virus has infected millions since the 1980s and is still a global health issue.
4. Small Pox Virus (1977)
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Smallpox virus (Image: Canva)
Smallpox is a deadly virus that killed millions of people worldwide. It spread easily through the air and caused fever and skin rashes. The virus was declared eradicated in 1977 after a successful vaccination campaign.
5. Dengue (1950)
Dengue, transmitted by mosquitoes, surfaced as a major health threat in the 1950s. Symptoms consist of high fever, severe headaches and pain in the joints. In severe cases, it may lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be deadly.
6. Swine Flu Virus (2009)
Swine flu virus, also known as H1N1 mainly spread from infected pigs, emerged in 2009, causing a global pandemic. It spread quickly and led to millions of infections worldwide. Symptoms seem like seasonal flu, but in some cases, it results in severe respiratory distress and even death.
7. Zika Virus (1952)
First identified in 1952, the Zika virus became a global concern in the year 2015. It is spread by mosquitoes and can cause birth defects in babies if the pregnant mother is infected. Zika causes fever, rash, and joint pain, but its effects on pregnancies make it particularly dangerous.
8. Bird Flu Virus (1997)
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Bird flue virus (Image: Canva)
The Bird Flu, also known as the Avian influenza virus first emerged in 1997. It spreads through contact with infected poultry. Although rare, human infections can lead to serious respiratory diseases and carry a high fatality rate, triggering worries about a possible pandemic.
9. Covid-19 Virus (2019)
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, led to a global pandemic starting in 2019. It spreads easily and can cause severe respiratory issues. Vaccines have helped control the spread, but it continue to affect millions yet.
10. Hanta Virus (1990)
Hantavirus was first recognized in the early 1990s and is spread by rodents. It leads to serious respiratory symptoms, resulting in hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which is often a deadly disease. Outbreaks have primarily taken place in America, and the virus is transmitted via contact with rodent urine, feces, or saliva.