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Preparing For Spanish Influenza
While no cases of Spanish Influenza have been confirmed in Utah, state health official say it is only a matter of time. Several current cases of illness are presumed to be the deadly disease. Officials have watched as the disease has traveled across America, and have a pretty good Idea of what is coming. Modern medical help at this time is struggling to understand, prevent and treat the illness. -
Flu Claims 63 New Cases
63 new deaths reported, result of Spanish Flu. Public health officials may ban public funerals if deaths continue to increase. Five days earlier there were no confirmed cases of the deadly flu but now there cases all over northern Utah. The Red Cross formed a committee to coordinate with state, local and military officials. -
Movie Distribution Delayed Due to Flu
The Association of Motion Picture Industry announced that no new releases would be made between October 13th and November 9 due to the number of theaters closed for public health reasons related to the flu epidemic. Movie theaters pose an increased risk for spreading the germ because of close contact with many people in a confined space for an extended period. -
Flu Reaches Rural Utah
Residents of Cedar City returning from Church Conference and the State Fair bring home influenza. State Health officials direct city and town leaders to close all public gathers. It seems a bit like closing the barn doors after the cows get out, but it is hard to take difficult steps until there is an immediate problem. The story repeats in every city as the epidemic moved westward, first: deny it will happen here, second: take the steps that would have helped if taken a week earlier. -
20,000 Pamphlets Distributed, More Drastic Rules
20,000 pamphlets on how to fight the flu, were distributed throughout Salt Lake County. The goal was to place a pamphlet in every home. Sneezing and coughing will be prohibited in public, if emergency law is passed. Boy scouts to help hand out pamphlets. Illegal to be out in public with symptoms of flu, seems like a smart move. -
Ban on Department Store Sales
Public Health Official, Dr. Beatty, announced restrictions on department store bargain sales which draw large crowds. This is a tough one, restricting the livelihood of individuals in a crisis situation and without knowing how long it may last, that is difficult. -
Teachers and Students to Prepare and Deliver Food to Sick
The Salt Lake City Red Cross in conjunction with local teachers, finalize plans to prepare food at local school's domestic science kitchens and then deliver the food to sick families. Additional help is needed when all members of the family are sick with influenza, at the same time. This is an excellent example of a community coming together to help one another. -
Davis County Residents Urged to Help Prevent Spread of Influenza
Citizens are being asked to avoid being out in public as much as possible. Schools are closed for at least the next two weeks. Knowing the germ is spread person to person, avoiding contact as much as possible becomes the best preventative action. World wide 66% of people were not infected. Avoidance was a good strategy, however difficult. -
Drastic Steps Taken
Health officials dictate store hours in an attempt to limit congestion on street cars and at stores. New laws impose $300 fine and/or 6 months in jail for sneezing or coughing in public, or if doctors fail to report cases of influenza. -
20,000 Stricken With Flu in Utah
Doctors belief that symptoms develop 48 hours after infection. Newly inflected individuals spread germs before they even know they are infected. -
Masks Must Be Worn
State health officials mandate the wearing of gauze masks in public and by those who are afflicted with the illness. This is the right idea but unknown at the time, the flu germ is much to small to stopped by a gauze mask. Something had to be done and this was logical precaution. -
Influenza Waning
New cases drop to only 28 with only 3 deaths. Red Cross to close emergency hospital due to lack of need. After more than a month of fear and anxiety the worst of the epidemic has past. Cities and towns are now beginning to lift ban on public assemblage. -
Day of Prayer to Overthrow Influenza
In Salt Lake City church leaders call for 'day of prayer' on December 22, that influenza might be suppressed in all parts of the world. With the worst of the epidemic behind them, Utahans pray in thanksgiving and for relief to those who are still suffering. Not ready yet to congregate, parishioners are encouraged to pray at home.
