Arizona republican., 1918-10-16
INFLUENZA IN
 PHOENIX STILL
 ASF|RM HO[O
Report from City Health Department Shows 143 Cases Since Beginnings;
 Several Deaths as Result

More cases of Spanish influenza were reported in Phoenix yesterday, but it was impossible last night to determine the exact number because of the inabil- ity of the physicians to furnish any thing like an accurate report because of the double duty they are doing with half the Phoenix physicians absent lighting the disease in other places
 The city health department last night reported on the Spanish influ- enza as follows:
 Since the beginning that there has occurred within the city limits a total Of 143 cases. This number includes all cases reported by the various physi- clans after circular letter mailed to every physician practicing within the city. It is very doubtful whether the new cases reported are sufficient to balance the recOveries from the disease since the usual length of time of acute sickness is from three to five days un- less complicated by pneumonia. There has been five cases reported as dying Of pneumonia secondary to influenza. Situation Not Alarming Part of these cases were those of advanced pulmonary tuberculosis and possibles these deaths should have been classed as having been caused by tuberculosis rather than by influenza, In further proof of this statement the records of the office show that the first 15 days of October, 1917, recorded 2< deaths, among which were two cases of pneumonia.
 Pulmonary tuberculosis was the principal cause of death for that period of time. For the corresponding 15 days of this month, there has been reported to the department only II deaths from all causes. There may come a time when conditions here become serious but after conversing with various doc tors who are doing a large business there IS nothing in the present situ- atlon to justify the alarming reports that are current upon the streets It has always been the policy of this de- department to give full publicity to the occurance of any epidemic disease and such policy will be continued"
 Encouraging Report
 Dr. Frederic T. Fahlen of the United States health service gave last night what is considered the most encoura g. ang report since the influenza broke out in the county. He said that while there had been a number of cases re- ported for the day, the situation looked better and that at present it was not alarming" He emphasized that the prompt action taken by the people of Phoenix had been of inestimable value Tn controlling the disease "Keep it up; keep it up," is his admonition@
 >Whlle the city health department re- ported 143 cases of Spanish influenza. l in the City of Phoenix proper, this is not total by any means as more than one-third of the City of Phoenix lies outside of the corporate limits where | dwell the larger part of the Mexican | populatlon among whom there are | numerous cases of the disease,
 Red Cross Organizes
 The Red Cross has organized to CO., operate in the handling of the situation | here. Yesterday it issued the following statement:
 Tn order to be prepared to handle | any emergency which might arise in | Phoenix the local chapter of the | American Red Cross has appointed an influenza committee to cooperate with the puroper city officials, the city man ager and the city health officer.
 Dr. Beauchamp states there has oc- cured total of 143 influenza. cases in the city. The hospital accommodations are rather limited but temporary ar engagements have been~made for ac- commodating a certain number of pa- tients, and special committee. has been appointed to confer with the city manager and Dr. Beauchamp with a view to providing temporary hospital should same. become necessary. This | committee consists of: Dr. AnciI Mar | tln, Mrs. Win Wylie, and Rev. Bertrand | h. COCKS. Another committee has been | appointed to discuss with the health | officer and city manager the need of a | survey of the city to ascertain the ey | act number of cases and the condition | of the patients.
 Open Headquarters
 The committee on influenza has | opened headquarters at the Red Cross | building and someone will be on hand | rom nine until five daily to answer lnqulrles and to make any reports. The phone number for this committee is 1477. i'
 Six doctors and 13 nurses have all ready been sent north in response to the request received from Doctor Brown who is in charge. Mrs. Wylie | IS actively engaged with several assis tants Tn making a nursing survey of the city. This information will be of great help to the influenza committee. and all nurses are requested to keep in close touch with this work. The infllI enza committee of the Red Cross now consists of the following: J. D. Loper. chairman; Drs. Martin. Beauchamp. Nichols, and Fahlen. Bishop Atwood, City Manager Thompson, Mr. Cocks Mrs. Wylie, Mrs. Dennett, Mrs. James \ the mayor, and the Secretary of the | Red Cross chapter. All who are inter | ested in the work of the committee and II nave suggestions or information to Of fer please get in touch with the com II init at the War Work building or by II calling 1477"
 No Change in North
 The influenza situation in the north