Yellow fever epidemic A detention camp for individuals affected by yellow fever during an epidemic in the United States. (more) 10 Major Epidemics Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/10-Major-Epidemics Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by Written by Kara Rogers Kara Rogers is the senior editor of biomedical sciences at Encyclopædia Britannica, where she oversees a range of content from medicine and genetics to microorganisms. She joined Britannica in 2006 and... Kara Rogers Fact-checked by Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Oct. 29, 2025 •Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Throughout history outbreaks of disease have reshaped communities, altered political destinies, and advanced medical understanding. Unlike pandemics, which sweep across continents, epidemics are outbreaks that strike within a specific region or population—often with devastating intensity. Epidemics reveal how fragile societies can be in the face of unseen threats, and how human responses—fear, innovation, and resilience—shape the course of recovery. The following examples highlight 10 of the most significant epidemics in recorded history, each leaving behind...

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