History's Worst Pandemics: Trivia Quiz!

Reviewed by Editorial Team
The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By The History
T
The History
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 2 | Total Attempts: 1,815
| Attempts: 1,122
Quiz Flashcard
SettingsSettings
Please wait...
  • 1/15 Questions

    Which disease was officially declared to be extinct in 1980, having killed 500 million people between 1877 and 1977?

    • Smallpox
    • Typhoid
    • Measles
Please wait...
About This Quiz

Explore the devastating impacts of historical pandemics in this trivia quiz! From the 1918 Spanish flu to the Black Death, learn about origins, effects, and key facts. Enhance your knowledge on how pandemics have shaped human history and public health responses.

Historys Worst Pandemics: Trivia Quiz! - Quiz

Quiz Preview

  • 2. 
    Which disease was declared to be a pandemic in 1981, and to date has killed at least 32 million people? - ProProfs

    Which disease was declared to be a pandemic in 1981, and to date has killed at least 32 million people?

    • 'Mad Cow' disease

    • Dengue Fever

    • HIV/AIDS

    Correct Answer
    A. HIV/AIDS
    Explanation
    HIV/AIDS was declared to be a pandemic in 1981 and has since killed at least 32 million people. This disease is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and attacks the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to other infections and diseases. It is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Despite significant advancements in treatment and prevention, HIV/AIDS continues to be a global health crisis, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where the majority of new infections occur.

    Rate this question:

  • 3. 
    In 1793, an epidemic raged through Philadelphia killing 10% of the population. It particularly attacked the kidneys and liver. What was the disease? - ProProfs

    In 1793, an epidemic raged through Philadelphia killing 10% of the population. It particularly attacked the kidneys and liver. What was the disease?

    • Yellow Fever

    • Dengue Fever

    • Saturday Night Fever

    Correct Answer
    A. Yellow Fever
    Explanation
    During the epidemic in Philadelphia in 1793, a disease that affected the kidneys and liver and caused a high mortality rate was Yellow Fever. Yellow Fever is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes. It causes symptoms such as fever, jaundice, and organ failure, particularly affecting the liver and kidneys. The high death toll and specific symptoms mentioned in the question align with the characteristics of Yellow Fever, making it the correct answer.

    Rate this question:

  • 4. 
    Who is credited with developing the world’s first vaccine in 1796? - ProProfs

    Who is credited with developing the world’s first vaccine in 1796?

    • Edward Jenner, working with cowpox and smallpox

    • Louis Pasteur, working with anthrax and chicken cholera

    • Maurice Hilleman, working with measles, mumps and many others

    Correct Answer
    A. Edward Jenner, working with cowpox and smallpox
    Explanation
    Edward Jenner is credited with developing the world's first vaccine in 1796. He worked with cowpox and smallpox to develop a vaccine that could protect against smallpox. Jenner's experiments involved inoculating individuals with material from cowpox lesions, which provided immunity against smallpox. This breakthrough in vaccination paved the way for the development of other vaccines and revolutionized the field of immunization.

    Rate this question:

  • 5. 
    Which disease, spread by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum, was once known as ‘Roman fever’ because of its endemic presence in the Roman Empire? - ProProfs

    Which disease, spread by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum, was once known as ‘Roman fever’ because of its endemic presence in the Roman Empire?

    • Plague

    • Malaria

    • Influenza

    Correct Answer
    A. Malaria
    Explanation
    Malaria, caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum, was once referred to as "Roman fever" due to its widespread occurrence in the Roman Empire. This term was used to describe the endemic nature of the disease in the region during that time.

    Rate this question:

  • 6. 
    The word ‘quarantine’ comes from ‘quarentena’, which means what? - ProProfs

    The word ‘quarantine’ comes from ‘quarentena’, which means what?

    • Restricted movement

    • Solitary confinement

    • Forty days and nights in isolation

    Correct Answer
    A. Forty days and nights in isolation
    Explanation
    The word 'quarantine' is derived from the Italian word 'quarentena' which means 'forty days'. This term originated during the Black Death pandemic in the 14th century when ships arriving in Venice were required to anchor for 40 days before passengers and crew were allowed to disembark. This practice was implemented to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Forty days and nights in isolation'.

    Rate this question:

  • 7. 
    And why was Spanish flu so-called? - ProProfs

    And why was Spanish flu so-called?

    • Because the Spanish press were the first to report the outbreak

    • Because the first infections occurred in Spain

    • Because the first known fatality was a Spaniard

    Correct Answer
    A. Because the Spanish press were the first to report the outbreak
    Explanation
    The Spanish flu was so-called because the Spanish press were the first to report the outbreak. Although the first infections did not actually occur in Spain, the country became associated with the flu because it was one of the few nations that did not censor news about the outbreak during World War I. As a result, the Spanish press reported extensively on the flu, leading to the misconception that it originated in Spain.

    Rate this question:

  • 8. 
    What recurring pandemic is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis? - ProProfs

    What recurring pandemic is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis?

    • Ebola

    • Influenza (flu)

    • Plague

    Correct Answer
    A. Plague
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Plague. The question asks for the recurring pandemic caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. The Plague, also known as the Black Death, is a recurring pandemic that has caused multiple outbreaks throughout history. It is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is primarily transmitted through fleas that infest rats. The Plague has had devastating effects on human populations, causing widespread illness and death.

    Rate this question:

  • 9. 
    What was probably a smallpox outbreak that killed at least one million Romans in the middle of the 3rd century AD?  How was it known at the time? - ProProfs

    What was probably a smallpox outbreak that killed at least one million Romans in the middle of the 3rd century AD?  How was it known at the time?

    • Caesar’s Revenge, caused by the ghost of Julius Caesar

    • The Red Death, after the fever it caused

    • The Plague of Cyprian, after the Christian bishop who first described it

    Correct Answer
    A. The Plague of Cyprian, after the Christian bishop who first described it
    Explanation
    The correct answer is The Plague of Cyprian, after the Christian bishop who first described it. This outbreak is believed to be a smallpox epidemic that occurred in the 3rd century AD and resulted in the deaths of at least one million Romans. It was named after Saint Cyprian, a bishop who documented the symptoms and impact of the disease.

    Rate this question:

  • 10. 
    The most well-known of all plagues, the Black Death, occurred in the middle of which century? - ProProfs

    The most well-known of all plagues, the Black Death, occurred in the middle of which century?

    • The 12th century

    • The 13th century

    • The 14th century

    Correct Answer
    A. The 14th century
    Explanation
    The Black Death, one of the most well-known plagues in history, occurred in the 14th century. This pandemic, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, swept through Europe between 1347 and 1351, resulting in the deaths of millions of people. The Black Death had a significant impact on society, leading to social, economic, and religious upheaval. It is often considered a turning point in European history, marking the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Renaissance.

    Rate this question:

  • 11. 
    The first recorded pandemic took place in Babylon in 1200 BC.  Symptoms included cough, fever, shaking, and extreme fatigue. What was the most likely disease? - ProProfs

    The first recorded pandemic took place in Babylon in 1200 BC.  Symptoms included cough, fever, shaking, and extreme fatigue. What was the most likely disease?

    • Influenza

    • Measles

    • Typhoid

    Correct Answer
    A. Influenza
    Explanation
    The first recorded pandemic in Babylon in 1200 BC, with symptoms of cough, fever, shaking, and extreme fatigue, is most likely to be influenza. Influenza is a viral respiratory illness that commonly causes these symptoms and has been responsible for several pandemics throughout history. Measles and typhoid may have similar symptoms but are less likely to be the correct answer based on the given information.

    Rate this question:

  • 12. 
    Scientifically speaking, viruses are said to be 'not alive’ – is this true? - ProProfs

    Scientifically speaking, viruses are said to be 'not alive’ – is this true?

    • Yes, because they cannot reproduce without a host cell

    • No, because they are capable of evolving and mutating

    • Both – they are ‘on the edge of life’, because they are neither fully one nor the other

    Correct Answer
    A. Both – they are ‘on the edge of life’, because they are neither fully one nor the other
    Explanation
    Viruses are considered 'not alive' because they lack the ability to reproduce without a host cell. However, they are also capable of evolving and mutating, which are characteristics of living organisms. Therefore, viruses are considered to be 'on the edge of life' because they do not fit completely into the category of living or non-living entities.

    Rate this question:

  • 13. 
    What new types of viruses were first discovered in 1931 in the USA? - ProProfs

    What new types of viruses were first discovered in 1931 in the USA?

    • Rhinoviruses

    • Coronaviruses

    • Computer viruses

    Correct Answer
    A. Coronaviruses
    Explanation
    Coronaviruses were first discovered in the USA in 1931. These viruses are a type of RNA virus that primarily infects animals but can also cause respiratory infections in humans. They are named after their crown-like appearance under an electron microscope. Coronaviruses gained significant attention in recent years due to the outbreak of COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

    Rate this question:

  • 14. 
    The 1918 Spanish flu pandemic is generally believed to have originated in which country? - ProProfs

    The 1918 Spanish flu pandemic is generally believed to have originated in which country?

    • Spain

    • France

    • The USA

    Correct Answer
    A. The USA
    Explanation
    The 1918 Spanish flu pandemic is generally believed to have originated in the USA. Although it is called the Spanish flu, it did not actually originate in Spain. The reason it became associated with Spain is because Spain was one of the few countries that openly reported cases of the flu during World War I, while other countries censored their reports to maintain morale. The first known cases of the flu were actually reported in the USA, particularly in military camps where soldiers were being trained for World War I. The virus then spread to other parts of the world through the movement of troops.

    Rate this question:

  • 15. 
    In two successive waves, the 1918 pandemic infected how many? - ProProfs

    In two successive waves, the 1918 pandemic infected how many?

    • Ten million

    • One hundred million

    • Five hundred million

    Correct Answer
    A. Five hundred million
    Explanation
    During the 1918 pandemic, the infection spread rapidly, affecting a large number of people. The correct answer, "Five hundred million," indicates the total number of individuals who were infected in two successive waves of the pandemic. This staggering number highlights the widespread impact and severity of the disease during that time.

    Rate this question:

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 21, 2023 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • May 02, 2020
    Quiz Created by
    The History
Back to Top Back to top
Advertisement
×

Wait!
Here's an interesting quiz for you.

We have other quizzes matching your interest.