A journey through global pandemics crippling human existence: Recapitulating history

The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked widespread havoc, triggering a global health and economic crisis that has alerted humanity to the potentially devastating impacts of pandemics. Although the mortality and incidence of the disease have decreased due to widespread vaccination and social measures aimed at preventing its occurrence and spread, its global ramifications should still be viewed as a challenge for humankind. In this context, we revisit past devastating pandemics to promote awareness for improved emergency preparedness in the face of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, as well as to maintain the balance of nature and the equilibrium of ecosystems.