Prehistoric epidemic in China killed 5,000 people around 3000 BC. Athens' plague in 430 BC killed up to 100,000 people. Antonine Plague in Rome killed over 5 million people. Plague of Cyprian killed 5,000 people daily in Rome. Plague of Justinian killed up to 10% of world's population
MERS is a viral respiratory illness caused by MERS-CoV. Virus spreads through direct contact with camels. Limited human-to-human transmission possible. Most cases occur in or near Arabian Peninsula
Masks are loose-fitting, one-way protection devices, while respirators are tight-fitting, two-way protection devices. N95 is the American standard, while FFP2/FFP3 are European equivalents. KN95 is considered equivalent to N95/FFP2 in China. Valved respirators are comfortable but provide only one-way protection
First German case confirmed near Munich on January 27, 2020. First deaths reported in Essen and Heinsberg on March 9. Schools and nursing homes closed from March 13. Border closures imposed on March 14
CDC was established in 1946 as Communicable Disease Center in Atlanta. Replaced Malaria Control in War Areas during World War II. Initially focused on insect-transmitted diseases like malaria. Dr. Joseph M. Mountin served as founding director
SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus causing 98-99% survival rate. Virus uses ACE2 receptor to enter cells, primarily affecting lower respiratory tract. Incubation period up to 14 days, median 5-6 days. Virus can survive several hours outside body