There are thousands of diseases that can affect humans over the course of a year. Common childhood diseases like measles, mumps, and chickenpox, along with occasional colds and bouts of flu, are generally considered part of life and not usually life-threatening.
However, diseases such as cancer, heart disease, tuberculosis, and malaria are more serious and cause millions of deaths worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2008, the eight leading causes of death globally were:
1. Ischaemic heart disease
2. Cerebrovascular disease
3. Lower respiratory infections
4. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
5. Diarrhoeal diseases
6. HIV/AIDS
7. Trachea, bronchus, lung cancers
8. Tuberculosis
While these diseases are potentially deadly, they usually progress slowly, except for lower respiratory infections and diarrhoeal diseases.
On the other hand, there are diseases with rapid progression from symptom onset to death, some of which can lead to death within 24 hours.
Here are seven examples:
1.Meningitis :
Meningitis is a serious infection that affects the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This condition can be caused by either a bacterial or viral infection and is most frequently seen in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults.
The consequences of meningitis can be severe, as it can lead to life-threatening blood poisoning, also known as septicaemia. According to First Aid for Life, if left untreated, meningitis can be fatal within just four hours.
2. Necrotising fasciitis :
More commonly known as the flesh-eating bug, is a bacterial skin infection that has the frightening ability to rapidly spread through the body’s soft tissue.
This infection has a high fatality rate, claiming the lives of 30 to 40% of those affected. Unfortunately, in many cases, the only way to stop the infection from spreading further is through the amputation of affected body parts.
3. A stroke :
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is suddenly interrupted, leading to oxygen deprivation in the brain tissue. The causes of a stroke can vary, such as a burst blood vessel or blockage by a clot.
While recovery from a stroke is possible, a massive stroke can result in death within just two hours, highlighting the urgent need for prompt medical attention.
4. Cholera :
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease that poses a significant threat to public health worldwide. This disease, caused by the ingestion of contaminated food or water, can quickly turn fatal, claiming an estimated 21,000 to 143,000 lives each year. Prompt and effective treatment is crucial in combating the spread and impact of cholera.
5. Pneumonic plague :
Pneumonic plague caused by a bacterium transmitted from rats to humans through fleas, is a highly dangerous infection that can quickly lead to death if not treated promptly. With symptoms including respiratory distress and the coughing of blood-tainted sputum, this form of plague can be fatal within 18-24 hours, underscoring the importance of swift antibiotic intervention.
6. Ebola :
Ebola Hemorrhagic fever is a terrifying disease that causes severe bleeding from internal organs and bodily openings. Outbreaks of Ebola have been documented in several African countries, with reported fatality rates ranging from 50-90%. Individuals affected by Ebola can succumb to the illness within hours of experiencing symptoms, making it crucial to ensure rapid and effective medical care.
7.Dengue hemorrhagic fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection, presents initially as a flu-like illness but can progress to a potentially lethal form. This severe version of dengue attacks blood platelets, resulting in internal bleeding that impedes the blood’s ability to clot.
The absence of clotting can lead the body into shock, culminating in death within a matter of hours. Swift recognition and treatment are essential in managing the progression of dengue hemorrhagic fever and preventing fatal outcomes.
