Contagious Diseases

Contagious diseases are generally spread person-to-person by bacteria or viruses enveloped in respiration droplets, diffused into the air by an infected person during talking, sneezing, or coughing. Historically, some contagious diseases caused the deaths of millions, others caused widespread illnesses, and some frightening disfigurements or disabilities. A few have been relegated to the annals of history by massive vaccination campaigns and others are readily treated by antibiotics. However, some continue to inflict their wrath on wide segments of the global populus and others continue to infect vulnerable people who are unvaccinated or have waning vaccine immunities. The contagious diseases discussed in this chapter, along with their historical names and monikers, are: 1918 Pandemic Influenza (Spanish Flu, Three-Day Fever, Trench Fever, Blue Death); Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy); 1918 Pandemic Influenza (Spanish Flu, Three-Day Fever, Trench Fever, Blue Death); Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy); Smallpox (Pox, Red Plague, Speckled Monster); Rubeola (Measles); Rubella (German Measles, Three-Day Measles); Tuberculosis (Phthisis, White Death, Consumption); Group A Streptococcal Disease (Scarlet Fever, Scarlatina, Quincy); Varicella (Chickenpox); Diphtheria (Boulogne Sore Throat, “The Strangler of Children,” Throat Distemper); Pertussis (Whooping Cough); Mumps (Parotitis); Meningitis (Spinal Meningitis).