The diseases that have killed the most people throughout history, based on available records, are primarily infectious diseases that caused major epidemics and pandemics.
Here's a breakdown of some of the deadliest diseases, based on the reference provided:
| Rank | Epidemics/Pandemics | Death Toll (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spanish Flu | 17–100 million |
| 2 | Plague of Justinian | 15–100 million |
| 3 | Black Death | 25–50 million |
| 4 | HIV/AIDS Pandemic | 43 million (as of 2024) |
Key Takeaways:
- Spanish Flu: The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918-1919 is estimated to have caused between 17 and 100 million deaths globally.
- Plague of Justinian: This plague, occurring in the 6th century, is estimated to have killed between 15 and 100 million people.
- Black Death: The Black Death, a bubonic plague pandemic in the 14th century, caused an estimated 25 to 50 million deaths in Europe alone.
- HIV/AIDS Pandemic: The ongoing HIV/AIDS pandemic has resulted in approximately 43 million deaths as of 2024.
While other diseases have also caused significant mortality, these examples illustrate the devastating impact of large-scale epidemics and pandemics on human populations. It is important to note that these are estimates and the actual numbers may vary.
