Invisible Killers

Invisible Killers is a gripping, hard-hitting three-part series produced in 2018 by the Discovery Channel in association with Science Channel and the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It's an exploration and exposé of the microscopic, numerous, and deadly hidden threats that humanity faces from infectious diseases. The series takes an in-depth and engrossing look at how these nasty microscopic organisms have evolved over billions of years to become almost perfect adversaries for mankind. And now, thanks to modern travel and urbanization, these invisible killers have the means to spread faster than ever before.

With an unprecedented access to the laboratories of leading researchers and doctors in the field, Invisible Killers takes viewers on an educational but terrifying journey as it unveils the complexities of the deadly diseases that has and still haunting the human population. From Influenza, Smallpox to Ebola, the series elucidates how these pervasive and challenging diseases have shaped our history and continue to have a dramatic and potentially devastating impact on our world.

The series commences with an episode dedicated to the study of influenza, tracing the history of various flu pandemics that have wreaked havoc since the Spanish Flu of 1918 which caused over fifty million deaths worldwide. It unravels how this ever-mutating virus of flu is able to outsmart our immune system and adapt to new hosts, making it one of the most deadly infectious diseases known to mankind.

The second episode centers around smallpox, a tribulation from the past that was eradicated through a mighty global medical effort. Despite this victory, smallpox still lingers as a threat in laboratories and as a potential bio-weapon. This part of the series grapples with the history of smallpox and the relentless dedication of researchers and scientists that led to its eradication while also contemplating the disastrous consequences should it ever return.

The final part of the series, devoted to Ebola, delves into one of the most sensational viruses known to mankind. It exposes the nature of the virus, its terrifying symptoms and discusses the 2014-2016 outbreak in Western Africa, which put the deadliness of Ebola on the world stage. It explores the arduous fight to contain the Ebola outbreak, the rush to build and deploy an effective vaccine, and the ongoing research to understand and combat this deadly threat.

Over the course, the series also weighs the potential applications and implications of recent technological advances in treating and preventing these diseases, alongside the potential dangers of bioterrorism.

Throughout, Invisible Killers strikes a careful balance between imparting essential information and maintaining a compelling narrative. There's an impressive array of interviews with key figures in the field of infectious diseases, including leading health officials, disease detectives, researchers, survivors and even individuals affected by these diseases. The use of noticeable CGI and ample historical footage aids in making even the most complex scientific matters understandable to the general audience.

The show doesn’t shy away from addressing the dire consequences of complacency in the face of these silent but deadly threats. From emphasizing the importance of vaccinations to considering the potential future threats that global warming could enable, Invisible Killers challenges viewers to consider their own roles in maintaining global health.

The remarkable piece of work provides an insight into the deadly world of infectious diseases, their nature, our battle against them and our ongoing efforts to mitigate their horrendous impact. The series might be an alarming watch, but its raw detail and extensive factual base also ensure that it is not only enlightening but empowering too.

Invisible Killers is a must-watch not just for biology enthusiasts, but for anyone with an insatiable curiosity for understanding the biggest threats to human life and health.