Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1919-10-02

second and most severe In November
the third IN February and March
Data, which need not be- cited here IN
drtnil. Indicate TINT the course ~ the
epidemic in western Europe generally
was similar In the United STATES the
epidemic Developed more largely in
single wave during September, Oc-
tober and November.
The prevalence Of n serious epldenl-
IT, of Influenza WAS first recognized in
ma around Boston in September Of
1913, Within about two weeks II was
general In the Atlantic senhoard de-
vcloping n little later among cities fur
ther west. Rural districts were tis'-
ally attacked somewhat later than
In the cities east of the line of the
Appalnchnns the excess mortality
from pneumonia and influenza during
the weeks ended September u. 1913,
to March |, 1919 was approximately
SO per 1000: in cities between the
Rocky mountains and the Appalachi-
ans 4.35; and in those Of the Pacific
Coast $50 per 1000.
Concerning the important question
OF immunity conferred by m attack
of intluenza, the evidence is not CON
elusive, hut there Is reason to believe
that an attack during the earlier
stages of the epidemic confers n con
siderable, hut not absolute immunity
In the later outbreaks.
Transmitted by Contact.
In general the pandemic Of influenza
was largely similar To that of 1SSa90
in its development, first II mild form.
later on n severe Worldwide epidemic.
in the rapidity Of its spread and its
high case incidence. 1t has however
been notably different in Il much high
or mortality, especially among young
adults. Such evidence as has been
gathered confirms the conclusion pre-
viouSy reached that II Is transmitted
directly and indirectly by contact II
appears, probable, however, that the
infection wns already widely dissem-
mated IT. this country sometime be-
fore n serious epidemic WAS recog-
nIzed.
Despite the fact that there Is still
some uncertainty as to the nature of
the micrGosganism causing pnndem-
ic influenza. one thing is certain, that
IA IiGaaSn ic 10 hto from,
son to person. Moreover. Judging
from experience in other diseases ii
is probable that the germ. whatever
It's nature. is carried about not only
by those who are III with influenza,
hut by persons who may be entirely
we'll. Everything which Increases per
sonal contact. therefore, should he re
earded as a factor In spreading infu-
en2a.
Much was heard last winter Of the
use Of face masks. Though the use OF
suitably constructed masks will reduce
the interchange of respiratory germs
through inhalation, II must he rcmem-
bered that there are many other paths
by which such germs are transmitted
from person to person. S.iled hands.
common drinking cups. improperly
cleaned en'iYg and drinking utensils
in rcetGl! grants, soda fountains, etc,
roller towels infected food-those are
only few of the common vehicles
Of germ transmission The use of face
masks appears to make people neglect
these other paths of infection, and so
the use of face masks has not been
attended with the success predicted
for them. If we would he more sue
cessful in combating influenza great
or attention must he paid to the fac
tors Just enumerated.
The question of most practical and
immediate interest is the probability
of recurrence in the near future. Re
currenCeS are characteristic of infu-
enza epIdemics and the history of the
last pandemic and previous ones
would seem 10 point to the conclusion
that this one has not yet run its full
course. On the other hand this cpl
demic has already shown three more
or less distinct phases and has been
more severe. at least in mortality. than
the three-year epidemic of 1SS9o2,
facts which Justify the hope. though
not the conclusion. that it has run its
course already
Recurrence Is Likely.
II seems probable, however. that we
may expect Mt least local occurrences
in the near future, with an increase
over the normal mortality from pneu-
mona for perhaps several years; and
certainly we should be, as far as pos
sihle prepared to meet them by pre-
ylous organization Of forces and meas
ures for attempted prevention, treat
ment. and scientific investigation.
There should be no repetition Of the
extensive suffering and distress which
accompanied last years pandemic.
Communities should make plans now
for dealing with any recurrence of the
epidemic. The prompt recognition of
the early cases and their effective isu-
lation should he aimed at. In this con