Sounding like something out of a horror movie, a smallpox demon is actually far more scientific.

Or a mix of science and centuries-old Japanese history.

Although eradicated in 1980, smallpox created fear for centuries across the globe. The infectious disease caused a fever, vomiting, sores and skin rash. It even led to bumps that would scab and leave scars all over the body.

The smallpox demon comes from Japanese culture and believed to be the source of all smallpox epidemics in Japan. In medieval times, people would try to appease or attack the demon since there was no other source of reliable, effective treatment.

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Nigeria is currently facing the worst outbreak of Lassa fever ever recorded.

The outbreak reportedly began in January and is still raging on. The disease has spread to at least 19 states since the epidemic began.

As of March 25, 134 people have died from Lassa fever; that number is only expected to increase. There are 394 confirmed infections and a suspected 1,219 more are infected. There have also been over 4,000 contacts identified- officials are currently waiting to see if those exposed will contract the disease.

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Stomach flu, traveler’s diarrhea, winter vomiting bug. Norovirus goes by many names, but travelers across the globe know the dangers of the infection.

The extremely contagious stomach virus is transmitted from person to person via direct contact. This can happen justy by shaking hands with someone who’s sick, eating contaminated foods, and touching infected surfaces.

The virus spreads most often when a lot of people share close quarters.

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If you’ve ever flown in an airplane while sick, you already know that conditions can quickly get worse. The enclosed environment only exacerbates those painful symptoms.

But, sometimes that flight is unavoidable. Business, or even a much-needed vacation, take priority and maybe you can’t get out of the flight.

Sometimes you have to go with the flow and board the plane.

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For many, a trip abroad is a reprieve from daily stress. Travelers anxiously look forward to that break from the humdrum of daily life.

But, when something goes wrong during that escape from reality, it can put the whole trip in jeopardy. Unfortunately, it’s common to experience some inconvenience during international travel.

Lost luggage is frequently the event that can instantly ruin your foreign getaway.

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