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1918
Pandemic Influenza in
The first soldier at
Just 35 miles northwest of
Built to hold a maximum of 36,000 soldiers, Camp Devens is now crammed with over 45,000 soldiers, most of whom have recently been assigned there from Maine and other New England states after the draft was expanded from 21 to 35 year old men to include any healthy men ages 18 to 45 years old.
Nearly 5 million Americans now serve in the military, including 35,000 Mainers serving, including almost 300 women nurses.
Additionally, as part of the American Red Cross Nursing Corps, 24,000 women are also serving the country in World War I.
Despite this recruitment, the military suffers from nursing shortages, and recruitment efforts are intensifying.
Influenza epidemic starts in
Wednesday, September 19
75
The supply of the drug
used by the War Department is exhausted for the civilian population.
Saturday, September 21
10 nurses from
6,000 cases of Spanish
influenza are reported in the camp today, and the Boston Red Cross summoned
nurses from all
An
Monday, September 23
Captain William E.
Lawry, 36 year old secretary of the Maine State Senate, was stricken by Spanish
influenza while visiting
20% of the over 45,000
soldiers at
Wednesday, September 25
Local
The Maine Department of Health has issued timely warnings about the disease’s transmission – that the disease is given off in secretions and transmitted by
coughing, sneezing, and sharing of utensils and towels.
Relatives of men sick at
Relatives of those most
critical were allowed to remain overnight in the camps.
“
“The Government has
called women into the munitions factories to work,” stated Mrs. Wilson,…“What
kind of
We are fighting for
ideals abroad which we are refused at home.
Since the beginning of
the war
The City of
Managers of theaters, the superintendent of schools, Bishop Walsh, Bishop Brewster, and head of the Red Cross, Chamber of Commerce, Jewish societies, and church federation as well as members of the board of health, have been invited.
Elsewhere in
Undertakers report they are hard pressed to fill demands for hearses and carriages for funerals.
Some cities are forbidding public funerals.
Telephone exchanges in Greater Boston lose 700 operators through influenza.
The telephone company requests that only essential calls be
made.
Nearly 5,000 shipyard workers in
Friday, September 27
The Fourth Liberty Loan
parades, which were initiate this year’s effort to raise money for the war
effort, were postponed throughout the State because of public health concerns,
and Liberty Loan officials urged Mainers to not forget to contribute to this
cause.
Dr. Leverett D. Bristol, the
health commissioner of
He noted that the state department of health has no
authority to order the theaters closed, but the local boards of health could
act in the matter.
One of the unusual instances connected with the illness and death at
The epidemic seems to be waging the fiercest in
Dr. Thomas Tetreau,
Four nurses have died
from influenza in
Following a conference
of 30 citizens in Portland Mayor Clarke’s office Friday, 22 voted informally to
close all places of public assembly.
Dr. Bristol, state health director, was in favor of closing immediately places
of general resort, or else the adoption of a gauze mask which every person
known to be afflicted with the disease should be compelled to wear in
public.
Mayor Clarke quickly
frowned on the latter suggestion, which was met with subdued laughter.
Lewiston Board of Health
Chairman late Friday said, “To close the schools and theaters, or to in any
other way suggest to the people that there is an epidemic here – for there most
certainly is none.” He voiced the
sentiment of many prominent business and professional men.
The suggestion, advanced
last night by State Health Commissioner Bristol of Augusta, that the theaters
of Maine be closed, met this morning with very decided opposition here – not an
opposition inspired by commercial reasons, but by a genuine desire for the
city’s good.
Saturday, September 28
Governor Milliken formed
a military unit of 15 doctors and nurses to be known as the Maine Unit, which
is to be sent to
Dr. Bristol, Maine’s
Health Commissioner, said that although the epidemic of Spanish influenza is
showing a gradual increase, he did not think people should be particularly
alarmed or panicky. The malady is raging
worse in
Reports were received by
the department that the epidemic had struck
Dr. Bristol sent letters
to physicians urging them to be very careful to report cases of the Spanish
influenza to the local boards of health, so as to keep track of the cases.
The United Baptist
convention was to start in
The Portland Board of Health issued the following order:
”In order to conserve the public health it is ordered until further
notice: That after September 28th,
no assemblage or gathering shall be permitted or held in theaters, moving
picture houses, or dance halls within the City of Portland, and no other
unnecessary assemblage or gathering of people shall be permitted or held within
said City. Public schools shall also be
discontinued.”
Fresh air is advanced as
one of the best preventatives. The comfort
of a closed car should not be taken into consideration when the health of the
community is at stake.
An active campaign of education in preventing the spread of
grip or influenza was started in
Printed instructions will be posted in the factories, shops, stores, and other public places. Every possible means will be used to teach citizens how to fight this disease.
Mayor Lemaire said Saturday morning that the situation depends
“more upon the person himself than upon the board of health or the
doctors.
If every man, woman and
child will follow the instructions we are having printed, there is no reason
why the disease should spread.
If every person who has the
grip will take every possible means to keep from giving it to other people, it
will soon be checked.”
They announced the Androscoggin County Fair is to be postponed.
All public schools, churches, theaters, dance halls, pool rooms, and lodge room are closed until further notice.
Dr. Bristol, Maine’s
Health Commissioner, notes Spanish Influenza has risen slightly in
On account of the
epidemic of Spanish influenza and the fact that five students who arrived this
morning were found to be afflicted with the disease, the opening of
Students whose homes are
less than 100 miles from
The Augusta Board of
Health yesterday ordered all public schools, churches of every denomination,
theatres, and the public library to be closed until further notice.
Children shall be
excluded from public streets unless accompanied by parents or proper persons in
charge.
The Portland Board of
Health extended the public gathering orders to ban funerals.
Gauze masks are being
distributed in the board of health offices to nurses and physicians to wear as
a precaution.
“I don’t know when I’ve
been more angry,” said Chairman Epstein of the Lewiston board of health this
morning, “than when I read in a local paper that there are 400 or 500 cases of
influenza in these cities. We only have
an official tally of 27.”
As to the closing of the
On the other hand, there are those who point out that
general conditions in
And nine out of ten of these rooms are not heated.
Thousands, literally, go to the theater at this time of year to keep warm.
With the theaters closed to them, what are they to do? It is a serious matter to them.
And of course, sitting in unheated rooms at this time of
year would mean the spread of many colds.
By authority of
officials of the two cities of
This was decided at 3:15
this afternoon at a meeting in Mayor Lemaire’s
Office.
The difference of opinion regarding the theaters extended to the schools. Many advised that they be closed.
But, others – including the school authorities – thought it better that they stay open. Children are much safer in school than in unheated tenements or on the street.
Women Suffrage was
beaten today in the U.S. Senate. By a
vote of 53 to 31, the Senate failed to give the two-thirds majority necessary
to adopt the resolution passed by the House submitting to the states the Susan
B. Anthony suffrage amendment to the Federal constitution.
Thursday, October 3
Rules To Avoid
Influenza:
By the Surgeon General of the
The Red Cross is
mobilizing the nursing force of the City of
They urge those who have
maids or other employees who are willing to go into homes to take care of the
sick and manage the household affairs, to release them for this patriotic
service.
Friday, October 4th
On account of the number of cases of influenza among people
of the Italian quarter of the city, the Italian church at
This has been arranged as a matter of precaution against spread of the epidemic.
More beds are needed, also bed clothing, mattresses, etc.
It is a busy spot down at the
The only way to stop the
spread of the influenza is to close churches, schools, theaters, and public
institutions in every community where the epidemic has developed, in the
opinion of U. S. Surgeon General Blue of the Public Health Service.
“There is no way to put a nation-wide closing order into effect,” he said today,
“as this is a matter which is up to the individual communities.
In some states, the State Board of Health has this power,
but in many others it is a matter of municipal regulation.”
From H. P. Gardner, Executive
Secretary of the State Public Safety Committee:
“Please telephone at once to the chairman of the Public Safety Committee
in each town in your county.
Ask the chairmen with all possible promptness to consult with the American Red
Cross organization in the town, and if none, to act independently.
Canvass your town
thoroughly for women who will volunteer as nurses in the present
emergency.
It is not necessary that
they be experienced or trained nurses.
You can include women
who have had practical experience in the home.
Ask each if she can and
will volunteer for nursing in this State or elsewhere at regular nurses’ wages
with her traveling expenses paid…”
Saturday, October 5th
Late yesterday afternoon
Maine Fuel Administrator Hamlen announced that in
view of the present serious epidemic of influenza, he would authorize the use
of automobiles to a limited extent tomorrow, Sunday, so that people might get
out into the country and away from the crowded infected districts of the city.
Then, the Federal Fuel
Administrator sent word that such a lifting of the Sunday driving ban should
not be taken, as conserving fuel is still an important war effort.
Accordingly,
Administrator Hamlen’s announcement was then
rescinded.
Up until late yesterday
afternoon 375 cases of influenza had been reported to the Portland Board of
Health.
While this is the
largest number so far reported in any one day, the physicians and health
officials were not alarmed, for it was no more, in fact, less, than they had a
right to expect from the weather conditions the day previous.
With clear, cool weather
and plenty of sunshine, it is expected the number of new cases will take a
downward trend.
The most drastic orders ever issued by the City of
To further prevent the
spread of influenza the closing order is hereby extended to include all indoor
gatherings at churches and other places of public worship, all lodge meetings,
society meetings, club meetings, such parts of building as used for pool rooms,
billiard rooms, bowling alleys, and to prohibit the serving of ice cream, soda
or other soft drinks so called in other than individual paper containers that
cannot be used a second time.
By Order of the Board of Health
Thomas Tetreau, MD, Health Officer
All the churches will be closed tomorrow, the masses at the
Catholic churches will be held in the open air.
This is the first time this has happened in
On Saturday morning the
Lewiston Board of Health, followed by a conference with Mayor Lemaire in his office, decided it would make no effort to
prohibit outdoor masses tomorrow by parishioners of the Catholic churches.
Secretary Epstein,
although acquiescing in the decision, expressed his personal opinion that there
should be no gatherings of any kind.
It was Secretary Epstein’s idea that any public gathering, in the present crisis, would be unwise – a violation of the spirit of the order closing all churches and places of public resort, if not of its letter.
With this view the mayor did not agree, and there was a half hour of discussion. Nobody seemed to know the exact extent of the local board’s authority, or just what it could do in the event of determining to forbid meetings of any kind.
Finally Mayor Lemaire suggested: “Why not call up the State board?” A minute later they had Dr. Young, the State Board’s medical advisor, on the telephone.
Mayor Lemaire listened for about five minutes and then said: “He believes this local board has authority to prohibit any public meeting, if it is thought for the best.”
The mayor waited a minute and added: “It seems up to you, gentlemen. The representative of the State Board says
you have full authority.”
The authorities in
Is this new disease
which has already killed hundreds and stricken thousands of our soldiers and
civilians a new German war offensive? If
not, how did it happen that this epidemic appeared so suddenly and extensively
in such widely scattered cities and army camps throughout the country?
Smitten as from a bolt from a clear sky thousands of Americans have been
suddenly prostrated in many widely separated parts of the country, during the
past 10 days, by a disease which is called, apparently for want of a better
name, “Spanish Influenza”.
Dr. Leverett
D. Bristol, State Commissioner of Health, said this afternoon that the epidemic
of Spanish influenza, in his opinion, is gradually increasing in the State, but
not to an alarming extent.
Evidence of the malady
is brought more to the attention of the health department by the new ruling of
the State Health Council approved by the Governor and Council, requiring
doctors to report their cases to the local boards of health.
In other words, there
might have been 100 cases of influenza in a community which had not been
reported until after the rules adopted by the Public Health Council had become
effective.
The Board of Health in
It was understood that
on Saturday evening many from this city went to
No closing order has yet
reached
The cars have not been
fumigated.
Justices of the Maine
Supreme Court have fallen into line with other officials in the matter of
combating further spread of influenza, by suspending or postponing the current
terms of court.
Governor Milliken, in a call to the people of
“However,” he explained, “Schools and churches should not be treated as unnecessary public gatherings. They are on a different footing from non-essential amusements. They should be closed only when, in the judgment of the local health authorities, the danger in keeping them open over balances the need of their continuance.”
“It is urged that all unnecessary travel be avoided. There is no occasion for panic among our
citizens.
Dr. Bristol noted that
most of the influenza cases in this state are traceable to people who have gone
to Massachusetts, particularly to Camp Devens, and
brought the germ of the disease back with them.
The October meeting of the Rockland City Council is generally a prosaic affair, but last night’s session was interesting enough to stamp it as an exception. A. S. Black, president of the Maine Theatres, Inc appeared before the municipal officers to enter a protest against the closing of theaters, churches, and schools, when the board of health is apparently neglecting other places in which the dreaded influenza can gain a foothold.
“There’s no middle
ground,” said Mr. Black, “either the situation is serious enough for radical
action, or it is not serious enough to warrant the steps which have been
taken.” Mr. Black listed a number of
places which had not been asked to close:
public funerals, soda fountains, restaurants. “We’ll take our medicine with a smile, no
matter how bitter the medicine is, “said Mr. Black, “but we won’t smile unless
a fair deal is being given and all are being closed alike.”
In their efforts to
control the present epidemic of influenza the Portland Board of Health has
adopted certain rules and regulations:
closing of schools, theatres, churches, bowling alleys, billiard rooms,
dance halls, lodges, and unnecessary gatherings; as well as requiring sanitary
disposable containers for the selling of ice cream and soft drinks.
However, there are a
number of places where not the slightest attention appears to be paid to these
regulations. Beer saloons have been
ignored. They are over crowded, glasses
are shared and hardly washed, and men freely spit on the floor.
For nearly three hours,
late Wednesday afternoon, clergymen and physicians of
Lewiston Mayor Lemaire called the meeting to order about 3:15 and very
briefly told the purpose of it – to get at some understanding as to whether
schools and churches should be closed or not during the present epidemic. He called upon the doctors and clergy to
state their views.
Two prominent figures in the meeting were Dr. Epstein, the Chair of the Lewiston Board of Health and Monsignor McDonough, pastor of St. Patrick’s Church.
Dr. Epstein (Dr. E)
Although the Spanish Influenza has not taken too much of
a hold here yet, I believe we have waited too long to close all public
gatherings, including churches. We have learned from
Monsignor McDonough (MMc)
Dr. Epstein, do you consider the factories and mills as
public gatherings?
Not
in that sense. The factories and mills
are necessary to sustain life.
MMc
Then you think there are times when the church is not essential?
Certainly, they are essential in a sense, but not in the
sense that mills and factories are essential.
MMc
I am not asking for comparisons, I want to know if you think churches are
an essential asset to a community?
I do not care to discuss that phase of the situation
Are mills and factories not dangerous?
Do I understand you would like to close the factories?
I believe there are no half-way measures – if you’re
going to close public gatherings, I would close everything.
This epidemic is serious – influenza is a contagion and
causes infection.
They say that you can’t close the mills. Why?
Because they are essential. Some
of us believe the churches essential – very essential indeed. We should not be denied the privilege of
appealing to our Heavenly Father.
Who has the authority to close the churches?
Dr. E.
The
And, if I should open my church next Sunday, you might
call in the police and close me up?”
Dr. E.
We have the right to go as far as we like in the
interests of public health.
MMc
I am glad to hear defended by others the principle that you can’t close a
church without some difficulty – that the church has some measure of
protection.
“Sow and action and you reap a habit”; and if men
temporarily vested with some municipal authority are permitted to close the
churches upon some judgment; a dangerous precedent might easily be
established.
I
believe it may be said that, without reflecting upon any individual, the boards
of health, sufficiently competent for the duties of ordinary times, are often
composed of men lacking the time, the money, the poise, and the character to
deal with a great emergency and pass judgment upon delicate and vital
questions. In other words, when the
church is at the mercy of an incompetent jury, its friends should present its
claims as an essential factor in the life of the community.
The time may come when there will be neither mills nor
factories; but the time will never come when divine worship – community worship
– will not be a necessity. Praise of God
upon a Sunday is more essential than any other work in all the world.
Consider
the atmospheric conditions in our mills – in plants where the interest of the
manufacturer is not always for the good of the worker, but rather for the
manufactured goods. Conditions there are
not for the best interests of public health; hired workers assemble under
conditions advantageous to the spread of disease.
But
in church, when they go to Sunday morning services, they have taken care to be
cleanly; they are not fatigued physically; they can sit in comfort, in a
well-ventilated and heated auditorium; they are at peace in heart and mind.
Contrast conditions in the church with those prevailing
in the mills!
Again, take the question of hours. They work 54 hours a week in the mills; they
are one hour a week on the Lord’s Day, in church.
Our greatest asset is the religious gathering on the Lord’s Day; and it is the
least menace!
In view of these facts, I cannot stand by and see the
church penalized and penalized unfairly.
Our authorities do not close the mills. Why?
Well, they are told, the people would not stand for it – the governing
powers of big industry would not be pleased.
“So”, they say, “we’ll close something that will stand for it, even
thought permitting it to keep open would involve no great danger – we’ll close
the churches!”
If there is real danger, let us take precautions
intelligently and sensibly by striking the disease at the root – quarantining
those who are ill. If this cannot be
done - if there is not the means – don’t ask us to close our churches while the
real dangers are allowed to go unchecked.
The doctors do not know everything. Presumably, they are acquainted somewhat with
anatomy; but they know little more about psychological influenza upon the body
than in the time of
Just last winter the
Now our local board of health has the authority, its members say, to do what
they choose.
I know I was criticized severely for not closing my
church last Sunday, but when it comes to a question of telling me to close my
church, I want to know why.
I take every step possible to protect the church. If the federal government told me to, I would
ask its authority. If force was employed
by the government, I would not foster rebellion; but I would have a proper
accounting through the
It was believed that the Lewiston Board of Health would meet and take some decisive vote – but, according to its chairman, it didn’t.
He said, when questioned by the Lewiston Evening Journal, that the board adheres firmly to its original decision that all churches must close. When asked what the board will do in case of refusal, the chairman refused to say another word.
Lewiston City Solicitor said of the board of health: “They have absolutely no authority to demand
that a place close, especially churches.
Nor will they have authority until the constitution of the
Mayor Lemaire feels that he has done all that he can do, as mayor, in the present situation. “I am not a member of the Board of Health, even ex-officio. I have worked all through for the best interests of the city, so far as my power went. I called three meetings of the physicians of the city, as I felt they, if anyone, would know best what to do. At every meeting the majority of the physicians has been in favor of closing.”
“I do not know what the Board of Health can do, or will do. I presume they know their powers, but I do not. Speaking for myself, I do not see any great harm in the churches being open for short services Sunday, and this attitude I have held since the beginning. However, it is for the physicians and the Board of Health to say, not for me.”
The Camden
Congregational Church vestry has been converted to a hospital and is full of
cot beds for the care of the sickness in town.
In Rumford it was
decided to use
The town will bear the
expenses and be assisted by the Red Cross.
The sisters in the convent are also working in the hospital.
The Portland Board of Health today passed an order, which later was approved by Supreme Court Associate Justice Scott Wilson.
The order provided for the closing of churches, theaters, and other places of public assembly in event of an epidemic or a threatened epidemic.
Instructions to hold masses in all the Catholic churches of
This was in deference to a written request by Mayor Charles B. Clarke and the “very
reasonable judgment of the medical profession.”
The
Local
All of the Catholic churches of
Out of door services were held by the Catholic church in
It is understood the
Portland Mayor Clarke
and Bishop Walsh are to be congratulated on the happy outcome of the ruling of
the Board of Health closing the churches.
The universally recognized American standard of the greatest good to the
greatest number, controlled the actions of all concerned and what appeared for
a time as likely to develop into an unfortunate incident proved to be a rainbow
of promise for a bigger, better, brighter, more promising Portland.
The Red Cross in the
Rockland area is playing a great part locally in fighting the epidemic. In addition to other work the women have been
busy making gas masks, dish towels, holders, bed socks, stockings, and other
articles for which there is great need in the afflicted homes.
Besides this, young
women go into the homes where sickness has prostrated the inmates and busy
themselves washing dishes, cleaning the house, and doing many services for the
sick. Similar work by these helpful
young women is done also at the Knox Hospital, washing dishes, arranging trays
for the sick, helping in the wards, etc.
Through the Home Service department, soup and bread is furnished the
sick in their homes. Here is shown in
our midst what the Red Cross means in its thousand activities.
Dr. Bristol asked on Wednesday that $25,000 be appropriated from the emergency war fund, the state epidemic fund practically having been exhausted, and that the governor appoint a committee, representing the state health department, the U.S. Public Health Service, the Red Cross, and the Maine Committee on Public Safety to have control of the situation and fight the epidemic.
Governor Milliken agreed, and appointed the Special Emergency Influenza Committee to take charge of the situation in the State.
The State Prison in
Thomaston reports 80 cases of influenza with eight deaths.
In order to meet the
unusual conditions arising from the influenza epidemic in Rockland, the
Narragansett Hotel has been opened as an emergency hospital, for the care of
all classes and creeds, and without reference to financial circumstances.
The meeting at which the emergency hospital proposition took form was held in the City Council rooms Tuesday evening. Several physicians spoke in favor of the new emergency hospital, noting that getting the patients concentrated would help provide for their needs, including tending to their sickness, food, and clothing.
Rev Fr. Flynn spoke strongly in favor of such a hospital, but insisted it be a non-denominational affair. The statement of a previous speaker that some of the city’s foreign residents might avail themselves of the privilege caused Fr. Flynn to speak warmly on behalf of those who are “considered good Americans on Liberty Loan Days.”
In order to carry out the work set in motion by the general emergency epidemic committee of the state and to be prepared for combating the influenza in its district, the Augusta Red Cross has organized a special epidemic committee. Augusta Mayor Swift will have charge of procuring supplies. Mr. Viles will be in charge of nurses, canteen unit, motor unity, and volunteer nurses. Dr. Coombs will be in charge of supplying doctors and nurses, and is arranging for an emergency hospital. Mrs. Hichborn will be in charge of the collection and distribution of food. The committee’s work is headquartered in the Augusta Trust Bank building.
“Thrift is a quality that has been most
instrumental in shaping the destinies of men and nations. It is a historical precedent that a nation
must be thrifty to be permanently powerful among the nations of the world. Yet, (with the World War and the prevailing
epidemic), never before in the history of America was there such urgent need
for thrift as at the present time.” From
an essay by Carl Beal, of Philips in the Franklin Journal
The relief work movement, inaugurated by the Bangor Daily News Friday, of a volunteer force of helpers to those in distress on account of the prevailing epidemic had an immediate effect, many offers of assistance in various ways being received at Mayor Woodman’s office at City Hall during the day.
Several women volunteered as nurses, while many others who could not engage in such work offered their services to cook for those who need aid in that line, and others will give part of their time for cooking and general housework.
A large number of automobiles have been pledged for conveying helpers to and
from houses and running errands, and will be available day and night.
It is requested by Mayor Woodman, whose office is headquarters for the relief work inaugurated by the Board of Health and the Red Cross, that all physicians of the city report to his office the families which may be in distress.
Monday, October 21
Mental diseases are
likely to develop among persons who have had influenza, according to
physicians. Dr. Bailey expresses the
opinion that in cases where certain forms of insanity have been dormant, the
influenza germ is likely to accelerate extreme emotions. Cases of mental lapse due to the epidemic are
already being treated in the psychopathic hospitals.
In accordance with an
order issued by the Board of Health and approved by Associate Supreme Court
Justice Scott Wilson, all of the churches in Lewiston remained closed Sunday on
account of the epidemic of influenza.
Out of door masses were held by the Catholic churches. A week ago all Catholic churches in Lewiston
held indoor services, disregarding the health board’s order.
The emergency hospital
in Rockland at the Narragansett Hotel now has 40 patients.
Dr. William Ellingwood as its resident physician, and
Miss Ethel Bryant, as matron, are in charge of the institution. The hospital’s needs are also being met by an
emergency hospital committee made up by women from the eight churches in
town. Superintendent West then placed at
the committee’s disposal the service of the city’s school teachers, furnishing
relays of workers for the office, kitchen, and sterilizing department. The domestic science teachers are in charge
of the kitchen.
The Courier Gazette has
been printing the needs for materials, and the citizens of Rockland have
responded with great generosity. The
articles called for especially were babies’ cribs, children’s night dresses,
blankets, old linen, towels, sheets, and mattresses. Even the children of
Rockland are doing their part, by sending their toys to the juvenile patients
in the hospital.
The Maine Anti-Tuberculosis Association issues this pertinent warning:
“Spanish Influenza is
undoubtedly due to lack of sunshine and fresh air, to dampness outdoors and in
getting wet feet; and is spread by careless spitting, and by coughing and
sneezing without covering the mouth.
Therefore, the measure
of our patriotism may be indicated just as truly by where we spit and how we
cough or sneeze, as by the number of W.S.S we buy or Liberty Bonds we
purchase.
That which spreads
influenza likewise spreads tuberculosis; and the methods of preventing the one
are also effective with the other.”
The influenza situation
at Swan’s Island is very serious. There
are 260 cases out of a population of 800, and there have been 10 deaths. The only doctor on the island, Dr. Gage, is
assigned to government duty, and has asked to be relieved of this duty so he
can return to the island and care for the sufferers.
Dr. Bristol, Maine’s Health Commissioner, states that in general, the influenza conditions are improving in this state, but small towns along the coast and Aroostook are very hard hit.
The influenza situation
in Portland has improved to such an extent that the board of health ordered the
removal of the ban on public gatherings.
There have been a total
of over 8,200 cases of influenza reported there since September 24 with almost
200 deaths, but these records are incomplete, as many cases, especially early
on, went unreported.
Conditions due to
Spanish Influenza on the government railroads just across the St. John River
from Van Buren, are such that the business of the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad
is stalled at that point.
The Canadian road is
completely tied up. Shipments of
pulpwood to various points to Maine are thus made impossible and the Canadian
road is refusing B&A cars at the point.
The influenza epidemic
which has caused so much suffering in Portland, has passed its climax, but it
has left behind weakness and desolation.
Many families which have always been self-supporting have lost their
providers.
Others are weakened by
sickness so that they cannot at once resume their normal activities.
The epidemic of influenza has hit some Aroostook towns pretty hard.
In Caribou, the Knights of Columbus Hall was opened as an emergency hospital, with materials kindly supplied by citizens.
Caribou has been unfortunate to have so few physicians at this particular time, and the few available are working day and night.
Monday, November 18
La main de Dieu s’est abattue sur notre population. Grand est le nombre des familles qui ont vu partir qui une mere, qui un pere, qui des freres, qui des soeurs. Les vides sont nombreux et le denil regne partout. Peu sont les familles qui n’ont pas ete eprouvees. Jamais un pareil fleau a visite notre pays.
L’epidemie semble avoir ete apportee ici par un train de soldats venu de la Nouvelle-Ecosse. Le train parti avec un contingent de 500 (cinq cents) soldats tous en bonne sante arrive a Edmundston le 26 (vingt six) Septembre avec six soldats souffrant d’influenza.
Dr. Bristol stated that
he firmly believes new legislation is needed by which the State Department is
given greater power, and he will urge this upon the legislature that sits in
January.
He said, “At the present
time, the State Department has no authority that will permit it to assume
charge of a situation such as has faced Maine during the past few months.
All the work that has
been done has been in assisting the local boards. A law should be passed that would given the
State Department full power to handle an epidemic of any kind without
interference from a local board.
Additionally, a number
of physicians and local boards of health have not done their duty in making
daily reports of disease.”
The appalling ravages of
Spanish Influenza in this country are perhaps best realized by the statement
recently made, that more deaths have resulted in little more than a month from
this disease than our whole participation in the battles of the European
War.
Our greatest danger now, declare authorities, is the great American tendency to
forget easily and to believe the peril is over.
Influenza waxed and
waned in Maine throughout late 1918 and the first six months of 1919.
The 1918 State Department of Health report states that Maine “was one of the first in the U.S. to take action requiring influenza to be reported by physicians to local boards of health, and by the latter to the State Dept of Health; and giving local boards of health authority to institute modified quarantine.”
The Report goes on to
describe the work of the Emergency Influenza Committee, convened by Governor
Milliken.
The Committee worked in special offices set up in the Blaine Mansion.”
Between September 1918 and May 1919:
1918 Pandemic -
Worldwide Impact
The impacts here in Maine on public health and health care were fairly immediate.
For instance,