The Worst Epidemics Throughout History

Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis is one of the oldest known diseases, with a recorded case of it in a 17,000 years old bison. The disease originated from the animal but transferred it to humans. In the 1800s, about 25% of all deaths were attributed to tuberculosis. It also caused one in sixth deaths in France. However, once sanitation became better, the rates of death decreased dramatically. 

Advertisement

Next Page →

The More You Know

  • In the late 1600s, London was plagued by an attacker who would spank his victims with a rod and shout "Spanko!" before running away.
  • The longest place name on the planet is 85 letters long.
  • The world record for the tallest stack of doughnuts totaled more than 3,000.
  • Wilt Chamberlain is in the Volleyball Hall of Fame.
Next Page →