The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-04
Taking Large Toll of Life and Causing Grave
 Problem in Cities
CAN DO NOTHING TO
 CHECK ITS SPREAD
Not Question for United States Off, cials, But Must Be Dealt With by Local Authorities-Figu Made
 Public by the Surgeon General

Washington, January 3.-Influenza is H Spreading over the United States from coast to coast in the most serious cpl demic ever known, taking a large toll in lives and causing economic loss by incapacitating workers in all walks of life. Reports from public health serv ice offices, made public tonight by Sur geon General Blue, show that already the disease has created grave problem for many of the large cities and is spreading to the rural communities.
 New York, Chicago Philadelphia, Bos- ton, San Francisco, Seattle, Cleveland and Detroit reported the disease widely prevalent, Cleveland and Detroit each have probably 100 cases Of the larger cities, Buffalo, Pittsburg, Baltimore San Diego Dallas, Mobile reported no signs of an epidemic.
 CAN DO NOTHING
 There is practically nothing the federal government can do toward aiding in SUD- pTession of the epidemic. It must be dealt with by local authorities, and they in turn it is explained, are almost help less without cooperation from the pub lie. Surgeon General Blue said tonight he had called for reports from all parts 
 licity would tend to stimulate this CO., operation.
 Statistics on influenza are difficult to obtain because the disease is not classed as 'reportable" in many cities Conse quently most of the public healtha of ficers were obliged to send in informa- tion based to some extent on their per sonal observations.
 Some of the dispatches were sum- marked by Surgeon General Blue as follows
 Memphis-Estimated 1000 to 5000 cases, but outbreak declining rapidly.
 New Orleans-There were 66 deaths from influenza in December; il in November. Savannah-Influenza prevalent
 Mobile-Influenza not epidemic Two deaths in December.
 Dallas-Influenza not epidemic Mod- crate number of cases.
 Norfolk-Influenza prevalent. Phes monia not increased.
 Wilmington, N. C.-About 80 cases, mild form.
 New York-Disease widely spread Marked increase in pneumonia mortal ity, also in mortality of persons over 65. Health department sending out warn- ings.
 Chicago-Last week there were 57 deaths from influenza, 30 deaths the week before. There were 1440 cases of pneumonia. in December, with 666 deaths, of which 201 occurred in the last four days.
 San 'rancisco-Epidemic of influenza widespread and severe. Reported as the < most severe experienced since 1891. Y delphia--Influenza epidemic here. In five weeks ending Decem- her 91 Al deaths, of which 72 oc- cured the last week. During Decem- Der SS1 cases pneumonia. Deaths from pneumonia the last week. 2S4
 rno noo rxr <,r Hrr
 Cleveland-E Epidemic began Decem- Der 10; widespread since December 20. Probably 100000 cases. Pneumonia present
 Detroit-Epidemic general, estimated at 100000 cases. Hospitals all crowded. Twenty-Five deaths during December.
 Boston-Influenza epidemic; pneu- monia cases doubled.
 Seattle-Influenza reported epidemic throughout state, including Seattle; moderately severe type; schools par tially depopulated in many places. In crease of 15 per cent in deaths from all causes in Seattle during December. Influenza factor, together with com plications, chiefly pneumonia
 Los Angeles-Extended epidemic of influenza of moderate severity began about two months ago and not dimin- ished.
 San Dego-Few cases of influenza reported recently
 Baltimore-Five deaths from in fluenza last week. Qnfluenza not re- portable).
 Pittsburg-Mild epidemic reported
 Buffalo-Influenza not epidemic. One death in December.
 St. Louis-Influenza not prevalent here.
 Portland, Me-Some scattered cases
 Portland, Ore.-No epidemic. A few severe cases.
 Louisville-Health officer reports probably greater prevalence of in fluenza than in former years. Accu- rate figures not available.
 Providence, R. I.-Influenza preva- lent.
 Cairo, Il1-Probably 800 cases of in- fuenza.