Among the following top 10 infectious diseases, some are still epidemic, some have been restricted considerably while others have been completely eradicated.
1. Anthrax
Inhalation or eating of Anthrax spores or physical contact with organisms that have ingested its spores causes the infection. Anthrax viruses multiply within the body and destroy host cells to cause cold symptoms, which leads to severe breathing issues, shock and consequent death. Strains of Anthrax that are antibiotic-resistant have prevented the disease from being completely curable.
2. Bubonic Plague
Infected fleas are the transmitters of this plague the fatality rate of which is 70%. Infected persons die within a week of contraction. Swollen lymph nodes are the characteristic symptoms of Bubonic plague.
3. Cholera
Consumption of infected food or water causes cholera. Lack of appropriate treatment can progressively cause diarrhea, shock and even death within 18 hours of infection. Rehydration in any form and hygienic sanitation are the best survival and prevention strategies respectively.
4. Hemorrhagic Fever
Ebola is one of the viruses that cause Hemorrhagic fever in which any or most of the vital organs start to ooze blood. These viruses destroy cells that line the blood vessels. The affected person dies within a fortnight due to consequent internal bleeding.
5. HIV/AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused due to the infection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV attacks T-cells that regulate immune response in humans. AIDS is developed when much of the T-cells are killed, which leads the body without any defensive mechanism. A person actually dies of other diseases that become incurable due to loss of immunity.
6. Leprosy
Mycobacterium Leprae are bacteria that infect peripheral nerves and cause leprosy. Nerves stop function due to infection and patients inadvertently inflict injury or infections that may lead to death of flesh. In severe cases, limbs fall off the body due to deadened nerves.
7. Malaria
Although it is completely treatable, malaria still infects more than 500 million people every year, of which 1-3 million people die of it. It is spread by the saliva of female Anopheles mosquitoes.
8. Polio
Paralysis of limbs is the general outcome of Polio infection. It infects nervous system and causes permanent paralysis or deformity of body-parts. Paralyzed respiratory muscles have been one of the major causes of deaths due to polio.
9. Rabies
Saliva of animals such as dogs, raccoons, etc. spreads Rabies. However, pets who are regularly vaccinated following the health norms of the country do not carry the virus. These viruses attack the brain leading to overall insanity. Thousands of people still die of this disease.
10. SARS
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) affects respiratory system in humans and 70% of the cases are fatal. Most of its victims are people aged above 65years.