The Top 3 Deadly Diseases Caused by Viruses That You Need to Know About
Viruses are among the smallest pathogens, yet they are capable of causing some of the deadliest diseases known to man. With the world currently facing a pandemic caused by a novel virus, it’s more important than ever to educate ourselves about the potential threats posed by viruses. In this article, we will discuss the top 3 deadly diseases caused by viruses that everyone needs to know about.
1. Ebola Virus Disease
Ebola virus disease is caused by the Ebola virus, which is transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, such as fruit bats and monkeys. The virus then spreads through human-to-human transmission via bodily fluids. Ebola virus disease is characterized by fever, headache, muscle pain, and weakness, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and internal and external bleeding. The disease has a high fatality rate, ranging from 25% to 90%, depending on the outbreak.
The most severe outbreak of Ebola virus disease occurred in West Africa in 2014-2016, resulting in more than 28,000 cases and 11,000 deaths. The outbreak highlighted the importance of preparedness and response to such infectious disease emergencies.
2. Zika Virus Disease
Zika virus disease is caused by the Zika virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus can also be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy or through sexual contact with an infected person. Zika virus disease is characterized by fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis, and in rare cases, it can cause neurological complications, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Zika virus disease gained worldwide attention in 2015-2016 when a large outbreak occurred in Brazil and spread to other countries in South and Central America, as well as the Caribbean. The outbreak was associated with a rise in birth defects, particularly microcephaly, in babies born to women infected with the virus during pregnancy.
3. COVID-19
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. The disease is characterized by fever, cough, and shortness of breath, and in severe cases, it can cause pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and even death. COVID-19 has spread rapidly across the globe, becoming a pandemic that has affected millions of people and caused hundreds of thousands of deaths.
COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of public health measures, such as wearing masks, social distancing, and hand hygiene, in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. It also underscores the need for research and development of effective treatments and vaccines to control the disease.
Conclusion
Viruses can cause some of the deadliest diseases known to man, as evidenced by Ebola virus disease, Zika virus disease, and COVID-19. It’s essential to educate ourselves about these diseases, their transmission, and their clinical features, to better prepare ourselves to prevent and respond to future outbreaks. With advances in science and medicine, we can hope to mitigate the impact of viruses on global health and well-being.
