The newspapers of 1918 were filled with news about the Spanish Flu that was sweeping across the planet. Here is one of the brief reports on the army camps.
Death Rate In Camps On Increase
Spanish Flu Responsible for Fatalities Throughout Nation
Washington, Oct. 4. — The death rate in army camps for the week ending Sept. 3, was 34.4 per thousand, an increase of 30 percent over the previous week and was due to Spanish flu. There were 1040 deaths as compared to 172 the week previous. Reports today showed the epidemic was spreading rapidly through the country. Up to noon today, 164 doctors and a large corps of nurses have been ordered to points where the epidemic is virulent.
100 Cases In Fargo
More than 100 cases of Spanish flu, six of which have developed into pneumonia, have been reported in Fargo. The cases so far have been mild, and no deaths have occurred.
Pass Up Germans
Camp Grant — There is said to be a bit of self respect even in the influenza microbe. He has attacked all ranks of the 40,000 men of this camp but has declined to enter the barbwire enclosure where the German prisoners are herded.
Source: The Bismarck Tribune. Newspaper. October 04, 1918.
