Studies on Epidemic Influenza: Comprising Clinical and Laboratory InvestigationsUniversity of Pittsburgh. School of Medicine
History
Studies on Epidemic Influenza: Comprising Clinical and Laboratory Investigations
University of Pittsburgh. School of Medicine
Influenza; Influenza Epidemic, 1918-1919
The first case in the city of St. Louis was reported about October 7,
and up to December 23 there had been 31,531 cases reported to the Bureau
of Health. They recorded 1,920 deaths with influenza given as a
contributing cause. Preceding the time when the epidemic was at its
height the weather was fair and warm, and the statement is made that,
“without going into the matter exactly, we have been of the opinion that
damp, rainy weather has been a help in controlling the disease.” The
opinion was expressed by the Commissioner of Health that the disease had
now abated.
No information could be obtained as to when the epidemic first reached
the city of New Orleans, but during the months of October and November
43,954 cases of influenza were recorded. Of this number 2,188 died from
a combination of influenza and pneumonia. They stated in their health
report that during the period from January 1 to December 31 there were
239 deaths attributable to broncho-pneumonia. The weather was mild and
on December 24 the epidemic was stated to have abated.
The city of Minneapolis recorded its first case on October 7, but the
authorities expressed their belief that a few cases had appeared before
that date. Up to December 21, 15,000 cases had been reported to the
Bureau of Health and of these there had been 735 deaths from
broncho-pneumonia. They had in their city a late, rainy fall and up to
that period they had had no cold weather.
The record obtained from the city of San Francisco stated that the
epidemic first appeared September 23 and that it was very widespread in
that city early in October. There were two invasions and 53,260 cases
reported. At the height of the epidemic more than 2,000 cases were
reported in one week; 188 deaths occurred from influenzal pneumonia. The
following week, after the institution of mask wearing, in which between
80 and 90 per cent. of the population concurred, it was stated that the
number of cases decreased to about 200. It was stated that the weather
was generally very fair during the epidemic.
From the city of Portland, Oregon, the following information was
obtained: The epidemic first appeared October 11, with a second one
toward the end of the year. There were 8,079 cases reported, with 658
deaths from influenza and 250 from pneumonia. Weather conditions were
stated to be varied, but the health officer believed that during the
worst wave the weather was clear and dry, with easterly wind. He
believed that a decrease in influenza was noticed immediately after a
Chinook wind and warm rain. Similar observations were made by Coutant in
Manila.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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