Pandemics that changed the course of history
The outbreak of swine flu, which has already claimed 429 lives around the world, will undoubtedly damage the already fragile global economy. Although it is impossible at this stage to make an accurate assessment of the likely impact of the disease, some economists have suggested a full-scale pandemic could cost more than $3 trillion (£1.9 trillion). As a guide, we can consider what happened to the economy during past pandemics.
Black Death
Probably the most destructive pandemic in history, killing an estimated 75 million to 200 million people worldwide in the 14th century.
Spanish flu
The 1918 pandemic is estimated to have caused at least 50 million deaths, with 228,000 in Britain alone. It lasted until 1920, spreading as far as the Arctic and remote Pacific islands, and is estimated to have affected up to a billion people - half the world's population at the time.
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Black Death
Probably the most destructive pandemic in history, killing an estimated 75 million to 200 million people worldwide in the 14th century.
Spanish flu
The 1918 pandemic is estimated to have caused at least 50 million deaths, with 228,000 in Britain alone. It lasted until 1920, spreading as far as the Arctic and remote Pacific islands, and is estimated to have affected up to a billion people - half the world's population at the time.