The 1918 Spanish Influenza Pandemic-Flu on Slight Inroad

From: Oakland Tribune, 17 October 1918, Page 4, Column 2

"FLU" MAKES ONLY SLIGHT INROAD HERE

The influenza epidemic in Oakland is much lighter than in any other city in the United States in which the disease has made headway, according to statements made before the city council today by Dr. E. F. Jones, acting city health officer, and Dr. F. F. Jackson. The city authorities declared that there is no occasion for panic on the part of the public, as the necessary precautions are being taken, and intelligent, co-operation will materially reduce the danger.

Dr. Jones appeared before the council to ask that five more nurses be employed in the health department for work in combatting Spanish influenza, and that two automobiles be purchased or borrowed from some other department to carry them about the city on their work of inspection.

It was announced that unless conditions change greatly for the worse there will be no closing of theaters and schools in Oakland.

FIGURES ON CASES HERE

The following statistics on influenza in Oakland were given by Dr. Jones. Total number of cases to noon today, 772; number released, 58; number of cases on hand, 634; number of cases reported Monday, 149; Tuesday, 182; Wednesday, 112; today, 120. Total number of deaths from Spanish influenza and pneumonia, 14.

Dr. Smith stated that the total number of deaths was but little above average for the same period of time in Oakland from pneumonia a this season of the year.

Motion pictures will be shown at the request of the health department explaining precautions to be taken, and at all theaters, shipywards, and department stores pamphlets, issued by the health department, and telling how to treat colds and influenza, are being given away.

Dr. Jones declared that crowded street cars are the worst sources of contagion, and warned all those who could do so to walk to and from work so as to avoid the danger. He has also asked the car company to remove car windows wherever possible.