World’s 10 Most Dangerous Viruses – A Closer Look at the Menacing Threats

In the realm of infectious diseases, COVID-19’s notoriety as a highly contagious virus often overshadows other formidable threats. From the Marburg virus to Dengue fever, here’s an overview of the world’s ten most dangerous viruses and their alarming impact on global health.

 Marburg Virus: Named after a serene town on the river Lahn, the Marburg virus is a hemorrhagic fever virus. Similar to Ebola, it triggers convulsions and bleeding, boasting a staggering fatality rate of 90 per cent.

 Ebola: With five strains named after African countries, the Zaire Ebola virus is the most lethal, claiming a 90 per cent mortality rate. Currently spreading in Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, it’s believed to be transmitted by flying foxes.

Hantavirus: Originating during the Korean War, the Hantavirus causes lung disease, fever, and kidney failure. It encompasses various types of viruses and remains a persistent threat.

 Bird Flu Virus: Despite causing occasional panic, the bird flu’s H5N1 strain, with a 70 per cent mortality rate, has a low risk of human transmission. Cases are often linked to direct contact with poultry, prevalent in Asian regions.

Lassa Virus: Transmitted by rodents, the Lassa virus is endemic in western Africa. A nurse in Nigeria was the first recorded case, highlighting the ongoing risk in the region where 15 per cent of rodents may carry the virus.

 Junin Virus: Associated with Argentine hemorrhagic fever, the Junin virus causes tissue inflammation, sepsis, and skin bleeding. Its common symptoms often make early detection challenging.

Crimea-Congo Fever: Similar to Ebola and Marburg, this virus is tick-borne and induces bleeding during the early stages. Pin-sized bleedings in the face, mouth, and pharynx mark the initial days of infection.

Machupo Virus: Linked to Bolivian hemorrhagic fever, the Machupo virus causes a high fever and heavy bleeding. It can be transmitted from human to human, with rodents often serving as carriers.

 Kyasanur Forest Virus (KFD): Discovered in 1955 in India, KFD is tick-borne, with suspected carriers like rats, birds, and boars. Symptoms include high fever, headaches, muscle pain, and bleeding.

Dengue Fever: A constant threat in tropical regions, Dengue fever affects 50 to 100 million people annually. Transmitted by mosquitoes, it poses a significant risk to the 2 billion people living in dengue-prone areas.

These ten viruses underscore the ongoing challenges in combating infectious diseases globally, necessitating continued research, awareness, and preventive measures.