While disease has been around since the beginning of time and much of history was largely affected by the most infectious disease at the time, there are some that continue to pop up and others that are brand-new. While contagious diseases like leprosy, the bubonic plague, and typhoid fever were terrifying when they were most common, cases in modern times are rare. Everyone by now has heard of COVID-19 and Monkeypox, so let’s take a closer look at what five of the most infectious diseases are in recent times.

COVID-19

No article about infectious diseases in recent times would be complete without mentioning the coronavirus, or COVID-19. This infectious disease which originated in Wuhan, China, spread like wildfire across the globe, leaving cities, states, and whole countries shut down for weeks and months on end. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, COVID-19 is the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that emerged in December 2019. It can be severe and has caused millions of deaths around the world as well as lasting health problems in some who have survived the illness. The coronavirus is highly contagious and can be spread from person to person.

HIV / AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a certified global pandemic that has led to nearly 30 million deaths worldwide from 1980 to 2009. In 2015, over 2 million new cases were reported across the globe and to this day the disease still kills roughly one million people every year.

Ebola

Ebola virus disease (also known as EVD) is one of the deadliest viral diseases and was discovered in 1976 in Central Africa. Not only is Ebola deadly to humans, but it is also known to affect nonhuman primates according to the CDC. People can get Ebola through direct contact with an infected animal (most commonly a bat) or through a sick or dead person who is infected with the virus.

Influenza

One of the most common diseases that continues to be an issue, specifically during winter season, is influenza (AKA the flu). Influenza is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system which includes your nose, throat, and lungs. While it is commonly referred to as the flu, it is not the same as common stomach “flu” viruses which are known to cause diarrhea and vomiting. Influenza is extremely contagious and for most people resolves on its own. In some extreme cases influenza can be deadly, especially in those that are under the age of 5, older than 65, pregnant, or have weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses.

Monkeypox

One contagious disease that is getting a lot of attention lately as cases spread is monkeypox. Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted from animals to humans) which has symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients. While monkeypox primarily occurs in central and west Africa near tropical rainforest, it has been increasingly appearing in urban areas and has recently been deemed a public health crisis in the United States.

Get professional help if your space has been contaminated

Biohazard cleanup companies like Xtreme Cleaners are experts in cleaning contaminated spaces, especially after someone who has an infectious disease has spent time there. They will also advise how long the space should remain vacant after cleaning until it’s safe to return to and help you feel confident and comfortable returning. It’s important to have a professional company deeply clean the areas that may be a hazard. If you or someone you know needs help cleaning due to a COVID-19 related death or contaminated space due to exposure to an infectious disease, call Xtreme Cleaners at (800) 524-9591.