The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1943-12-14
Flu and Colds
Hit Notion

lnuuenZa ana cOiuS, spreading
across the nation, reached epidemic
proportions in some cities today.
curtailing war plant operations and
forcing schools to close.
DR.. George Calver, Washington
physician, estimated that 20 per
cent Of congressman have contract
ed influenza or a respiratory virus
infection. He said 100000 cases
were reported in the city, where the
fiu and influenza meningitis have
claimed four lives, including three
children.
DR.. James G. Cumming, head Of
the Government Bureau of Pre-
ventable disease, anticipated an in
crease in the infection within the
next few days, but believed the
crisis would be reached shortly,
followed by sharp decline.
DR.. Bruce H. Douglas, Detroit
Health Commissioner, where about
10 per cent of the population has
been hit, said colder weather would
have a marked effect in checking
the number of heavy colds and
winter respiratory ailments"
Philadelphia health authorities
recommended the cancellation Of all
public gatherings when about 20
per cent of the population was
reported suffering from influenza
and colds.
Northern New Jersey authorities
said an epidemic of virus infec-
lions, which already had caused
one death, may force the closing
Of schools and curtailment of oper-
ationS in war plants. Some factor
les reported as many as 30 per cent
of personnel absent.
Production of motion pictures at
Hollywood was disrupted as many
stars, directors and technicianS were
confined to their homes or entered
hospitals for treatment.
New York city's industrial plants,
department stores and utilities re-
ported a 10 per cent increase in
absenteeism during the last week.
Upstate, Rochester. Albany, SYRIA
cuse. Jamestown, Kingston, Pough-
keepsie and Ithaca were hardest
hit.
Some cities reported a shortage
Of medical facilities and hospitals
were barring visitors to protect
patients from infection.
Fifty per cent of the 5000 pupils
of the schools at Teaneck, N. j.,
were absent and other cities re-
ported heavy toll among school
children and teachers.
Birmingham, Ala, officials esti-
mated that 80 per cent of the city's
adult population have had the flu.
In Massachusetts,, Smith College,
two private schools at Northhamp-
ton and private school at North
Andover closed for the Christmas
holidays a week early.
Columbus, O.. health authorities
said three or four thousand cases
of grippe" had been reported in
that area, but the infection was
now leveling of.
DR.. Thurman B. Rice, Indiana
State Health Commissioner, said
the flu was letting up except in
the southern part of the state. Rice
estimated that between IS and 20
per cent of the state had been hit.
The disease was on the wane also
in Minnesota.
In Des Moines, Iowa, 5,784 of the
city's $1,000 pupils were absent
yesterday. ..... -
Health department officials said
the disease was mild in Nebraska.
Wisconsin authorities said the peak
OF the contagion had passed.
The disease was spreading west
and southwest. Oklahoma City re-
ported rs per cent of its school
children absent and absenteeism
was growing in war plants.
Dallas, Tex, authorities said the
of new cases was increasing
daily. An estimated Is per cent of
school children were effected.
Flu was widespread but of a mild
variety in Utah. School absences
ranged from 10 to rs per cent.
Oregon authorities said the ex-
tent Of the disease was only nor
NAL for this season.