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What Diseases Are Extinct?

Published in Medical Science 1 min read

While it's difficult to definitively declare any disease completely extinct, there are a few that have been eradicated from the world due to successful public health efforts.

Eradicated Diseases:

  • Smallpox: This devastating disease was declared eradicated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1980. The global vaccination campaign was instrumental in its eradication.
  • Rinderpest: This highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle was eradicated in 2011. The Pan-African Rinderpest Campaign played a crucial role in its elimination.

Nearly Eradicated Diseases:

  • Polio: While still present in a few countries, polio has been drastically reduced due to widespread vaccination programs. The WHO aims to eradicate polio completely.
  • Guinea Worm Disease: This parasitic disease has been nearly eradicated, with only a few cases reported each year.

It's important to note that the emergence of new diseases and the re-emergence of previously eradicated ones are always possible. Continued vigilance and public health efforts are essential to prevent the spread of diseases and protect human health.

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