These are just 10 of my favorites, selected because a) They will either kill you, maim you, or cause such pain that you will wish you were dead; b) They are transmitted in seemingly innocent ways; and c) There is either no cure or, by the time they are diagnosed, it’s too late.

So, these are my nominations for the Top 10 Scariest Diseases.

#10. Broncholithiasis

#9. Syphilis

#8. Leprosy

#7. Tetanus

#6. Ebola

#5. Smallpox

#4. Rabies

#3. Mad Cow Disease

#2. Flesh-eating Bacteria

#1. Brain-eating amoeba