The Worst Epidemics Throughout History

American Polio Epidemic

Started in New York City, the polio epidemic was one of the worst that the US ever faced. There were over 27,000 unique cases and a total of 6,000 deaths during the height of the disease. It was especially scary since the condition primarily affected children and can lead to permanent disability. The infection peaked sporadically every few years, making it difficult to research.

The More You Know

A relative of the T. rex stood just 3-feet tall.
A Nepalese doctor has restored the sight of over 100,000 often poverty-stricken people in the last thirty years across Asia and Africa using a 5 minute procedure and an inexpensive artificial lens.
The first American woman to go to medical school was admitted as a joke. Geneva Medical School thought it was joke when Elizabeth Blackwell applied to attend 1847. She graduated in 1849, started her own practice, and opened an infirmary for the poor.
Clark Kent (Superman in DC Comics) is also a character in the Marvel universe, where he's actually just a mild-mannered reporter and nothing more.

Post originally appeared on Upbeat News.