12 Diseases That Changed History
I never enjoyed my history classes, as they were filled with memorizing names (mostly men's), obscure dates and battle fields. However, I do remember learning about the bubonic plague and cholera in my public health classes (which was interesting to me), and these are only two of the twelve diseases that are discussed in the book, "Twelve Diseases That Changed Our World" (by Irwin Sherman).
According to the U.S. News and World Report interview with the author, he "describes how bacteria, parasites, and viruses have swept through cities and devastated populations, felled great leaders and thinkers, and in their wake transformed politics, public health, and economies".
Here is are a few snipets from the above website and book:
"1. Smallpox: It's the only infectious disease that has been eradicated through vaccination. The medical science of vaccination was a direct result of the devastating effects of smallpox. Essentially, studies of immunity and vaccines emerged from studies of smallpox. That gives hope that other diseases, too, will be eradicated by similar means.
2. Influenza: This disease is thought to have influenced World War I by killing soldiers and taxing the military healthcare system. It is also mentioned that President Wilson's negotiations during the Treaty of Versailles were affected by the influenza infection he had at the time".
...and if this sounds intriguing to you, there are ten more diseases (tuberculosis, syphilis, AIDS, bubonic plague, cholera, malaria, yellow fever, hemophilia, porphyria, and the potato blight) discussed in this book, with their ramifications on how they altered the course of history. Fascinating!
Do you think any diseases were left out of this list?
Comments
I was thinking along the same lines as you, Tina, and actually thought of cancer specifically that has lifestyle-related causes (some, but not all cancers!).
That is one interesting fact that I learned from my public health courses: with the invention of vaccines, pasteurization, clean water systems/sanitation and penicillin, the modern societies have come very far in eradicating many infectious diseases. Now, most of our diseases are lifestyle-related, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. Influenza and some other infectious diseases are still on the list.
I believe the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and WHO (World Health Organization) have the best statistics on mortality and morbidity, for anyone who is interested.
But I think obesity will be added to that list as we look back on our own health history. Definitely, does not fall into the "bacteria, parasites, and viruses" categories but as Americans and others around the world become larger, I think that will be the underlying cause of many deaths. Quietly - comparatively. And I'm with you. This is fascinating.
Post new comment