Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
For many of us, the outbreak of COVID-19 and the subsequent efforts to "flatten the curve" through social distancing is unprecedented. Most of us are taking refuge in comfortable homes with ample supplies and an extensive selection of media-based entertainment. As stressful as it is, it's really not all that bad. If we were facing this same scenario a hundred years prior, things would be very different.
In fact, things were very different. In 1918, the Spanish Influenza pandemic coincided with a global war effort and flourished in the absence of antimicrobial drugs, mechanical respirators and supplemental oxygen machines. The virus, an H1N1 subtype, infected nearly half the world's population and caused at least 50 million deaths. An estimated 675,000 deaths are thought to have occurred in the United States alone.
On Oct. 4, 1918, nearly six months after the first cases of the virus were reported, Spanish Influenza made its debut in the "New Rockford Transcript." The newspaper reported that the disease had been prevalent in the community for 10 days prior and that local businesses were beginning to feel the strain of having employees out due to sickness. At this time, two people were reported to have died.
A week later, the severity of the situation became apparent. The Transcript reported several hundred cases of influenza had been documented in Eddy County. Eleven deaths were recorded, and two of the four doctors in the county had been confined to their homes after contracting the disease.
The Eddy County Red Cross called upon volunteers, asking people to serve in caring for the ill. Treatment for influenza and its complications was mostly supportive care. The duration of the illness itself was quick. Within just a few days, the symptoms would subside. However, many relapsed and developed severe pneumonia that could take victims in a matter of hours.
The Transcript reported, "With practically every home a hospital, it has been found necessary to secure more room, and Mrs. Axle Johnson has turned her large residence into a hospital." No antivirals or antibiotics were available and penicillin had yet to be discovered and wouldn't be until 1928. Patients were apt to turn patent medicines in an effort to alleviate the symptoms. Peruna was one such medicine that was marketed as a cure-all for Catarrh, a classification of many ailments related to the congestion of the head.
Public health officials warned against the use of such patent medicine. Instead, they focused on prevention campaigns that educated the masses on the potential for diseases to spread via coughs and sneezes. One such reminder printed in the Transcript read, "Coughs and sneezes spread diseases of influenza more than anything, so those who have been afflicted with the disease should endeavor to keep off the street, or if they must be on the street, always cough or sneeze into a handkerchief-for the protection of your fellow man."
Face masks also came into fashion, they were made of a half yard of gauze, folded like a triangular bandage covering the mouth, nose and chin. The masks were also worn by many members of the general population in an effort to remain unafflicted. It was advised that any gauze or cloth that had been coughed, sneezed or spat into should be burned immediately.
Even with public health efforts and school closures, the weeks that followed brought more news of the disease. Each week included a listing of those who had passed, not just from influenza, but from subsequent pneumonia. Some weeks included upwards of 11 names, many of whom were young adults. Ultimately, the death toll among previously healthy young adults reduced life expectancy in the United States by 12 years.
On Nov. 1, 1918, the "Transcript" reported that new cases had become more scarce. However, the fatigue the community endured was apparent. "The question of help has been one with which the community has wrestled in vain for three weeks. It is believed, however, that the crest of the epidemic had been reached, there being fewer and fewer new cases." It was noted that a number of medical staff from Devils Lake came to assist the "sorely pressed" nurses and doctors of this city.
After two months of combating the outbreak of influenza, Eddy County received a reprieve when no new cases had been reported in 10 days. Schools that had been canceled were reopened and public gatherings of "every description" were once again in full swing. A similar moment of celebration is certainly something we can look forward to here in 2020.
It is hard to imagine just what the people of this time went through, and with any luck, we won't have to. It is hopeful that the efforts to socially distance ourselves can reduce the impact the coronavirus could have in our community. By reducing the number of ill during this pandemic, we can reduce the strain on our healthcare systems as well within our homes.
