While it’s tempting to worry about Zika virus making its way to the United States, it’s important to realize that there have been relatively few cases in the continental USA, and of that small number, an even fewer number have resulted in any significant symptoms.

Zika virus has been all over the news recently. This is due to its rapid spread to countries which has never had to deal with the potentially devastating virus. In fact, on February 1, 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Zika virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

Today, we explore some of the deadliest plagues and pandemics of all time. The grim details are shocking, the death tolls are near incomprehensible, and the threat is far from over. Doctors continue to stave off potential threats to this day.

According to The World Health Organization, there are officially more than 12,420 different, documented diseases in the world. Most of us, especially in this part of the world, have it narrowed down to just a few.