12. Flu Pandemic, 1918, (Over 20,000,000 Deaths)
Worldwide
It is estimated that between 20 and 50 million people lost their lives in a global flu pandemic, which originated in 1918 and lasted only two years. A whopping 33% of the world’s population was infected, with a million people dying weekly in the first six months. This pandemic was different from others with similar origins, particularly because it didn’t just affect young children and the elderly. This time, it took no prisoners, and everyone was likely to contract it. Strangely, those with weaker immune systems were less likely to pick up the virus, meaning the majority of the population ended up carrying the burden of the disease. Strange, but proof that anything is possible!
Flu Pandemic 1918
13. Cholera: Sixth Pandemic, 1910-1911 (1,000,000 Deaths)
Worldwide
Cholera has always been a killer, especially so as it had five instances before the most lethal, sixth one. The 1910 to 1911 outbreak killed nearly 1 000 000 people across four continents. This would be the last time that it would be seen on American soil, particularly as authorities had learned from previous situations, acting quickly to isolate and quarantine infections as soon as they were spotted. By 1923 there were still some cases in India, but most of the world had recovered fully.
Cholera Sixth Pandemic
