Incidence of Potential Pandemic Viruses

 December 15, 2014

People are annually recommended to get flu shots to protect them from seasonal strains of the flu. While many people consider the flu harmless, in reality it causes thousands of deaths annually. Over the past several years there have been various illnesses raising alarm and the fear of possible pandemics. This chart displays recent and historical statistics for some of these viruses. Some childhood diseases are listed as well. With a current movement against vaccinations, some diseases that were virtually eradicated are making a comeback. While there were no deaths for measles or mumps, these diseases can leave the patient with serious side effects, so they are listed as well.