Humans have been inflicted with deadly viruses since they started existing. Numerous dangerous viruses exist around the world inflicting harm or sometimes even death.
While there are vaccines and drugs for some viruses, others continue to challenge doctors. Let us take a look at some of the deadliest viruses that currently exist around the world.
Marburg virus: According to WHO, Marburg was first identified by scientists in 1967. The virus is similar to Ebola and causes hemorrhagic fever. People can experience high fever and bleeding throughout the body leading to organ failure, shock and death.
Ebola virus: The Ebola virus, found predominantly in Africa, is a deadly virus that first caused outbreaks in Sudan and Congo in 1976. The virus spreads through direct contact with blood and other body fluids. The Zaire ebolavirus is the most dangerous out of the 4 strains.
Dengue virus: The virus, spread by mosquitoes, is predominantly found in Asia and Africa. It is transmitted via a bite of an infected female mosquito and can cause, shock, extreme bleeding and blood plasma leakage, among other dangerous symptoms.
Hantavirus: Found in Europe and Asia, Hantavirus is spread through the saliva, urine or faecal matter of rodents. It is rare and can cause low blood pressure, internal bleeding, and acute renal failure in advanced cases.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): HIV is a life-threatening virus with no cure currently. Spread through body fluids, the virus attacks the body’s immune system and destroys T-cells.
Rabies virus: Ye another extremely deadly virus, rabies can be caused by coming in contact with infected bats, monkeys, dogs, foxes and wolves, among others. It has a mortality rate of 99% and can cause swelling of the brain in extreme cases.