The biggest mistake in life could be shaking an unwashed hand. Especially considering the modern arsenal of viruses and biological threats. From influenza to smallpox, many viruses have been silenced or moderated, but throughout our earth, unimaginable biological threats are peering over every corner waiting to ignite the next pandemic. Here is my list of the 5 most infectious diseases.
5. Anthrax
Anthrax is a disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. The bacteria forms resilient spores able to survive harsh climates. The spores are found in all conditions and if ingestion or come into contact with a host, they become activated and reproduce at very fast rates. The anthrax virus is transmitted through these bacteria. The anthrax virus van be produced in-vitro as a biological weapon. They can be transported from clothing or abiotic things.
4. Malaria
Malaria is an infectious disease contracted by humans and other animals. It is transmitted by female mosquitos that have previously contracted the disease. Malaria is transferred through parasitic organisms that enter your blood stream. Once in an organisms blood, parasites travel to the liver to reproduce and grow. From the liver the malaria virus parasites cause symptoms like fevers and headaches. Because the parasites live in the liver and inside blood cells, they are not often recognized by the immune system attack. Within days, without proper treatment, fatality may follow. There is no known vaccine.
3. SARS
SARS is a disease which affects our Respiratory system, or our breathing. Viruses are often the cause of disease. These viruses are either DNA or RNA. They are not living and can only make children cells, if they infect those cells. SARS is caused by the RNA coronavirus. The coronavirus is transmitted through animals, and if the correct strain or version transmits through humans, it develops into a severe disease. The coronavirus is passed through people by any contact, including respiratory or humoral (liquid) contact. After multiplying in the body, it will affect the respiratory and circulatory systems. The virus affects a particular liquid essential in your respiratory system, a type of enzyme. The imbalance causes over-inflammation of the lungs, making it hard to breath.
2. Ebola
Thousands of litres of blood pass through your body every minute. As this happens, clotting takes place throughout several places around the body. The Ebola virus inhibits your ability to do this clotting. The clotting occurs so internal and external bleeding doesn’t occur. Without the clotting, the Ebola causes excessive bleeding. It has a very low survival rate of 10 percent, making it the highest fatality rate, but it is found very rarely.
1. HIV/AIDS
Human Beings have the immune system, which acts as a white knight, protecting us from a variety of threats. It is made up hundreds of cells that protect you by fighting against specific virus cells. Humans use this system to cope through the world’s perilous, unhygienic situations. The HIV/AIDS virus is a virus that silences the immune system and keeps you vulnerable to any infection that may come your way naturally.
