Which disease does not exist anymore?

These Diseases Are Gone — But Not Forgotten

It’s easy to forget how close deadly diseases once were. Today, several infectious illnesses that ravaged populations for centuries have been entirely eliminated from many parts of the world — thanks to science, public health campaigns, and global cooperation.

Smallpox, once a terrifying global threat, was officially eradicated in 1980 after a worldwide vaccination effort. The last known endemic case in the country was in 1934, with the final imported case recorded in 1949. It remains the only human disease ever completely wiped out.

Malaria, though still prevalent in tropical regions, was eliminated domestically by 1951. However, imported cases — like those reported as recently as 2024 — remind us that vigilance is necessary. Climate change and global travel mean the risk isn’t entirely gone.

Polio disappeared from local circulation in 1979. The last imported case surfaced in 2022, a wake-up call after decades of near-total safety. The re-emergence of vaccine-preventable diseases underscores the importance of maintaining high immunization rates.

And while measles was declared eliminated in 2025, recent years have seen outbreaks fueled by misinformation and declining vaccine confidence. The last imported case in 2022 sparked concern — and a reminder: elimination doesn’t mean invincibility.

These victories didn’t happen by accident. They were built on decades of research, community outreach, and trust in medicine. But as history shows, complacency can undo progress. Just because a disease no longer circulates widely doesn’t mean it can’t return.

The truth is, these diseases don’t “not exist anymore” — they’ve been pushed back. And keeping them at bay requires more than memory. It takes action, awareness, and a continued commitment to public health.