The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1918-11-09
c. Z N Il II A l.
IN FOR NJ a TION
EPIDEMIC INFLUENZA
Spanish Influenza, LaGrippe
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EPIDEMIC INFLUENZA

epidemic INFLUENZA
Under various names, epldemics
corresponding TO epidemic influenza
have occurred at irregular intervals
since accurate descriptions have been
made of disease. 1t Is likely that AZ
tsill earlier times this disease was
combined and confused with other
epidemic disorders, and so did no'
stand out as an entity until rela-
lively modern period.
The history Of epidemics of influ-
enza does not differ SO much from
that of other diseases spread by hui
man intercourse that are usually
called contagious. A widespread
epidemic follows the Introduction of
specially virulent virus and there
follows a general immunity among
those of the population who have
been infected. As the epidemic dies
out the infection decreases in viru-
lence and only sporadic cases occur.
From such cases, and probably
cvhronic carriers, local outbreaks oc-
cur; but the general immunity pre-
vents any general epidemic. After
period Of years new susceptible
population has replaced the immune
one. and with the introduction of a
fresh virulent virus general epide-
mic is again brought about. This
would account for he great suscep-
tibility Of young persons. and as 1t is
twenty-eight years since the last
great epidemic. we should not ex-
pect many individuals above 80 years
of age to be now affected.
CAOSh1ION
The causative agent Of epidemic
influenza has not been certainly
recognized. The attachment Of the
name influenza bacillus" to a small
bacillus described by Pleiffer in
1892 has been followed by its fire.
auent reception as the actual speci
fic agent. There is. however. much
uncertainty as to its etiologic role.
1t is to be hoped that the study Of
the present epidemic may lead to
some certain knowledge. regarding
the essential cause Of the disease.
This should enable us to determine
whether the edemic cases and those
II limited mild epidemics are really
idntical with the ones observed in
the great periodic outbreaks
COURSE OF THE DISEASE
The cases in the present epidemic
begin usually quite suddenly with
pain In the head, back, eyes, limbs
and joints. With the pains ahere is
great prostration. chilliness and n
fever of from 1O1 to 1O4 F. The
pulse does not become very rapid,
and the patient often is drowsy,
vomiting may occur. Sometimes
there may be diarrhoea. but usually
here ir constipation. After the dis
ease has become established the
mucous membranes of the nose and
throat become Redeemed and there
g sneezing and redness of the con-
iunctiva. Involvement of the larynx
causing hoarseness. and of the bron-
chi causing cough. are common.
49, = 81 anSOStdtGu ituhODtUlh
a normal leukocyte count. A leuko-
cytosis Doinas to come complication.
The fever gradually falls TO normal
after a few days and more or less
prostration Is present during con-
valescence. A transient alDumlnuria
r. frolucat, Many Of the cases have
hemorrhlges OF the mucous mem,
brancs OF The nose, some of the
lrethra' or bowel
SECONDARY PNEUMONIA
Not lufrequently lobular pneu-
monia develops after few days and
this is responsible for most of the
fatalities. The pneumonia differs
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