Determining the absolute first disease in the world is impossible. Diseases have existed for as long as life on Earth has, constantly evolving and adapting. However, we can identify some of the oldest known diseases documented through various means like bone lesions, DNA testing, and ancient texts.
These include:
- Cholera
- Typhoid
- Leprosy
- Smallpox
- Rabies
- Malaria
- Pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
- Trachoma
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
The origins of these diseases predate recorded history, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact first disease.
