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Top 5 deadliest pandemics and epidemics in history

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The 5 deadliest pandemics and epidemics in history by estimated death toll: 1918 'Spanish' influenza (1918-1920), Plague of Justinian (541-549), and more.

Snapshot · 2026-09-01

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  1. 1

    1918 'Spanish' influenza (1918-1920)

    25-100 million

  2. 2

    Plague of Justinian (541-549)

    15-100 million

  3. 3

    HIV/AIDS (1981-present)

    45 million

  4. 4

    Black Death (1346-1353)

    25-50 million

  5. 5

    Third plague pandemic (1855-1960)

    12-15 million