There are a lot of diseases on this planet, and while some are inconvenient, painful, or even deadly, there are a few that rise above the rest as particularly terrifying, resilient, and deadly.

Here we’re going to take a look at five of the deadliest diseases on the planet.

1. Ebola

Ebola is a virus that is not only deadly, but also incredibly contagious. The virus attacks the immune system, causing massive internal bleeding and organ failure. The chances of survival are low, with a mortality rate of around 50%.

The virus spreads through contact with body fluids, and outbreaks are especially common in Africa.

2. HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a virus that attacks the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable to other illnesses. It is spread through contact with bodily fluids, most commonly through unprotected sex, shared needles, or mother-to-child transmission.

While there is no cure, antiretroviral therapy can keep the virus at bay and prevent it from developing into full-blown AIDS. In 2020, an estimated 38 million people were living with HIV worldwide, and there were around 680,000 deaths from AIDS-related illnesses.

3. Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs, but can also spread to other parts of the body. TB is easily transmitted through the air, and coughing, sneezing, or even talking can spread the bacteria.

TB is treatable with antibiotics, but drug-resistant strains are becoming increasingly common and pose a major threat to global health. TB is still a major killer, with an estimated 1.4 million deaths in 2019.

4. Malaria

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite. Symptoms include fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms, and the disease can be fatal if left untreated.

Malaria is most common in Africa, but is also found in parts of Asia, the Middle East, and South America. The World Health Organization estimates that there were 229 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2019, with around 409,000 deaths.

5. Cancer

Cancer is a group of diseases that are characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. There are many different types of cancer, and they can affect any part of the body.

While there has been progress in cancer treatment, it remains a major killer, with an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Some of the most common types of cancer include lung cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer.

Conclusion

These five diseases are some of the most deadly on the planet, and they pose a major threat to global health. While there has been progress in treating and preventing these diseases, there is still much work to be done.

By raising awareness and investing in research and public health initiatives, we can work to prevent the spread of these diseases and save lives.