One of the many reasons why we learn history is because there is a lot to learn and re-learn from it. That also includes learning about historical diseases that plagued millions at the time, like the bubonic plague. However, some of the old names, diseases that terrorized many people in the past, taking many lives, have been making news headlines. A few of the most recent ones are scarlet fever, syphilis, TB as well as many more. The recent rise in old viruses and diseases have caused many people to question what has changed. Diseases That Have Recently Become More Prevalent Here is a list of diseases and what you need to know about them according to the UK Health Security Agency health blog. Typhoid Typhoid was extremely common in the Victorian era, even affecting royalty, and it remains a problem in areas with poor sanitation globally. Caused by bacteria spread through contaminated food or water, it's estimated that 1 in 5 people with untreated typhoid worldwide die. In the UK, improved access to clean water, wholesome food, and good hygiene have drastically reduced its spread, with around 500 cases reported annually, mostly linked to international travel. It's now rarely fatal in the UK, often preventable by vaccine for travelers, and treatable with antibiotics. Scarlet Fever In 2018, England and Wales saw over 30,000 cases of scarlet fever, the highest since 1960, though numbers had declined significantly over the previous century due to better living conditions and antibiotics. This highly contagious childhood illness is usually mild and easily treated with antibiotics, which also reduces the risk of complications and spread. While a 1914 epidemic recorded 165,000 cases and 2,800 deaths, in 2014, fewer than 5% of patients were hospitalized, with no deaths, highlighting its much less severe consequences today. Investigations into recent case increases are ongoing. Tuberculosis (TB) At the start of the 19th century, TB killed at least 1 in seven people in England. Improvements like milk pasteurization (which significantly reduced TB from contaminated milk) combined with faster diagnoses and effective antibiotics became central to TB control. Today, less than 6% of those with TB in the UK die from it, with fewer than 4,672 cases reported in 2018—the lowest numbers ever. This decline is a major public health success. However, TB remains the top infectious killer globally, especially in poorer communities, emphasizing the need for continued efforts. Cholera Cholera, a severe diarrheal illness, can cause fatal dehydration within hours. England's last major outbreaks between 1832 and 1866 resulted in thousands of deaths. It is now very rare in the UK, with cases typically linked to international travel. A key public health breakthrough in the Victorian era was identifying cholera as waterborne, leading to major projects that provided clean water and sewage systems. While still a global concern with ongoing outbreaks in other parts of the world, cholera is easily avoided when traveling by using boiled or bottled water and practicing good hand hygiene. Whooping Cough Before routine immunization in the 1950s, whooping cough affected tens of thousands. Vaccination drastically reduced cases, though the infection hasn't disappeared and can peak every 3-4 years. Despite vaccine success, nearly 10,000 cases were confirmed in 2012, with increases also seen in other countries. These rises may be due to factors like better testing and changes in vaccine type. A vaccine program for pregnant women, introduced in response to the 2012 outbreak, has been highly effective in protecting babies until they receive their own vaccinations, making it crucial for expectant mothers to get vaccinated. Rickets Rickets, a deficiency disease caused by a lack of calcium or vitamin D, was widespread in poorer areas of Great Britain during the Victorian era. It wasn't until the early 1900s that researchers understood the critical role of sunlight and vitamin D in bone development. While most people get enough vitamin D from sunshine and diet in warmer months, supplements are recommended during autumn and winter, especially for those with limited sun exposure, darker skin, or for babies. Why Are Some Old Diseases Making A Comeback? According to 2021 study published in the Lancet journal, few of the many reasons why diseases are reappearing is because sometimes, Sometimes, the germs themselves change, becoming easier to spread or more harmful. For instance, scarlet fever, once thought almost gone, has seen a global rise, including a mysterious spike in England. This might be because the bacteria causing it picked up new genes from viruses, creating "supercharged" versions that spread more easily. Also, germs are becoming more resistant to antibiotics, which means treatments that used to work are no longer as effective, allowing some diseases to re-emerge. Is COVID-19 A Catalyst?The study points out that human behavior is a major factor. More people living in crowded conditions and moving around (like through migration) can create new opportunities for diseases to spread. When public health systems and vaccination efforts break down, often due to conflicts, wars, or even global pandemics like COVID-19, diseases like measles can surge. Changes to the environment caused by human activity can also upset the balance between people, animals, and germs, allowing old diseases to reappear or new ones to emerge. For example, some research suggests that climate change forced bats to move, potentially leading to new interactions between bats and viruses, and even affecting how viruses evolve and spread to other animals, like the virus that causes COVID-19. The studies and historical significance of these diseases show that these diseases never really left. The only differences is that, now these diseases are not as fatal. These illnesses are largely preventable through good hygiene, vaccination, or proper nutrition. It remains crucial for scientists and healthcare professionals to continue investigating, managing, and informing the public about preventing diseases that could seriously affect health and well-being.