The Spanish flu is estimated to have killed the most humans in history.
Top Diseases by Death Toll
Based on available data, here's a breakdown of some of the deadliest epidemics and pandemics, according to the Wikipedia "List of epidemics and pandemics" article:
| Rank | Epidemics/Pandemics | Death Toll (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spanish Flu | 17–100 million |
| 2 | Plague of Justinian | 15–100 million |
| 3 | Black Death | 25–50 million |
| 4 | HIV/AIDS Pandemic | 43 million (as of 2024) |
Important Considerations
- Variability in Estimates: Death toll estimations can vary significantly due to incomplete records, especially for historical pandemics.
- Ongoing Pandemics: The HIV/AIDS pandemic is still ongoing and its death toll continues to rise. The provided number (43 million) reflects data up to 2024.
