The Worst Epidemics Throughout History

Leprosy

Leprosy is a long-known disease, dating back to 2000 BC. The disease is spread through contact with others, though most won't contract it. Still, it was once thought to be highly contagious, and as a result, those infected were usually sent to live in a secluded island where they would live out the rest of their days. This island, Spinalonga, was a leper colony from 1903 to 1957. 

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The More You Know

  • The average person walks the equivalent of five times around the world in their lifetime.
  • More people are bitten each year by New Yorkers than by sharks.
  • Commercial flights were allowed to fly any course to their destination and would often detour over points of interest. This ended in 1956 when two planes crashed mid-flight over the Grand Canyon.
  • Tic Tac mints are named after the sound their container makes.
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