Not medical advice. This site is general information only. In an emergency call your local emergency number. For advice about your own health, speak to a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified health professional.

FAQ

What disease has killed the most humans?

Malaria is often cited as one of the biggest killers in history, though the popular claim that it killed half of all humans who ever lived is not supported by evidence. Smallpox killed 300-500 million in the 20th century alone. The Black Death killed 75-200 million in the 14th century.

Has any disease been completely eradicated?

Smallpox was declared eradicated by the WHO in 1980. Rinderpest, affecting cattle, was eradicated in 2011. Polio is 99% eliminated, remaining only in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Guinea worm is close to eradication.

What is the deadliest ongoing pandemic?

HIV/AIDS has killed over 40 million since 1981. COVID-19 has killed over 7 million confirmed. Malaria kills around 600,000 annually. Tuberculosis kills over a million people a year, making it one of the deadliest infectious diseases.

What is Disease X?

The WHO uses Disease X to represent a hypothetical unknown pathogen that could cause a serious epidemic. It encourages preparedness for threats we cannot yet predict. COVID-19 was effectively a Disease X event.