1890 — Jan-March[1] Influenza (La Grippe/Russian Flu), esp. NY, IL, CT, OH, PA–16,295-17,807
Document created by Wayne Blanchard, Sep 2012; revised Dec 2019, for website: Deadliest American Disasters and Large-Loss-Of-Life Events. https://www.usdeadlyevents.com/
–16,295-17,807 Blanchard compilation bases on State and locality breakouts below.[2]
Summary of State Breakouts
Alabama ( 21) Mobile Jan-Feb
California ( 720) San Francisco especially Jan-March
Colorado ( 199) Denver Jan-Feb
Connecticut ( 1,366) Jan-March
Delaware ( 108) Wilmington Jan-Feb
District of Columbia(>100)
Illinois ( 1,936) Chicago especially (1,924) Jan-March
Indiana ( 54) Indianapolis Jan-March
Iowa ( 52) Jan-Feb
Kentucky ( 96) Louisville Jan
Louisiana ( 121) New Orleans Jan-Feb
Maine ( 48) Portland especially Jan
Maryland ( 481) Baltimore Jan-March
Massachusetts( >395) Boston especially Jan-Feb
Michigan ( 294) Detroit especially (236) Jan-March
Minnesota ( 308) Minneapolis (154) Jan-Feb
Missouri ( 501) St. Louis (500) Jan-March
New Hampshire ( >3)
New Jersey ( 466) Jan-Feb
New York (5,255-6,767) New York City esp.; Brooklyn, Rochester. Jan-Feb
North Carolina ( 48) Jan
Ohio (1,248) Cincinnati and Cleveland especially Jan-March
Pennsylvania (1,221) Philadelphia (1,218) Jan-Mar 8
Rhode Island ( 431) Providence especially Jan-March
Tennessee, Jan-Feb ( 186) Chattanooga and Nashville Jan-Feb
Texas ( 75) San Antonio Jan
Wisconsin ( 563)
Breakout of Jan-March 1890 Influenza Deaths by State and Locality (where noted)
Alabama ( 21) Mobile Jan-Feb
— 11 Mobile, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Reports, V5/N8, 2-21-1890, 75.[3]
— 10 “ Feb. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Reports, V5/N12, 3-21-1890, 122.[4]
California ( 720) San Francisco especially Jan-March
–228 State, Jan, pneumonia. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., V5/N8, 2-21-1890, 75
— 57 “ Jan, bronchitis. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., V5/N8, 2-21-1890, 75
— 27 “ Jan, lung congestion, US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 75
— 55 Los Angeles, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 75.[5]
— 18 Oakland, Feb. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/12, 3-21-1890, 123.[6]
— 22 Sacramento, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 75-76.[7]
–141 San Francisco, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 75.[8]
–225 “ Feb. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/12, 3-21-1890, 123.[9]
–113 “ Mar. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/16, 4-18-1890, 171.[10]
— 5 Santa Barbara, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 75.[11]
Colorado ( 199) Denver Jan-Feb
— 151 Denver, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/7, 2-14-1890, 61.[12]
— 48 “ Feb. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/11, 3-14-1890, 113.[13]
Connecticut (1,366) Jan-March
–1,366 State, Jan-March US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., Vol. 5, No’s. 8, 13, 17
— 730 State, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 76-77.[14]
— 499 “ Feb. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/13, 3-28-1890, 133.[15]
— 137 “ Mar. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/17, 4-25-1890, 180.[16]
— 4 Ansonia, Jan New York Times. “Connecticut’s Death Rate.” 2-19-1890, p. 6.
— 8 Bridgeport, Jan New York Times. “Connecticut’s Death Rate.” 2-19-1890, p. 6.
— 2 Groton, Jan New York Times. “Connecticut’s Death Rate.” 2-19-1890, p. 6.
— 40 Hartford (pneumonia). New York Times. “Connecticut’s Death Rate.” 2-19-1890, p. 6.
— 3 Naugatuck, Jan New York Times. “Connecticut’s Death Rate.” 2-19-1890, p. 6.
— 3 Norwalk, Jan New York Times. “Connecticut’s Death Rate.” 2-19-1890, p. 6.
— 2 Windom, Jan New York Times. “Connecticut’s Death Rate.” 2-19-1890, p. 6.
— 124 New Haven, Jan US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/12, 3-21-1890, 123.[17]
Delaware ( 108) Wilmington Jan-Feb
— 56 Wilmington, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/7, 2-14-1890, 61.[18]
— 52 “ Feb. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/6, 2-7-1890, 51.[19]
District of Columbia (>100)
— >100 5 DC Health Officer. Report, 1890. Washington: GPO, 1891, 5.[20]
Illinois (1,936) Chicago especially (1,924) Jan-March
–1,936 Blanchard tally from breakouts below.
–1,924 Chicago, Jan-Feb US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract of San. Rpts., V5, No’s 8, 11, 16.
— 694 “ Evans/Heckard. “The 1890 Epidemic…” Circa 1918, 845.[21]
–1,346 “ Jan. Excess deaths. Chicago Dept. of Health. Report and Handbook, 1919, p. 74.[22]
— 64 Jan, flu. Ingals. “The Epidemics of Influenza of 1890…Chicago.” NIH.[23]
— 148 Dec 29-Jan 4 “pulmonary causes.” NYT. “March of the Influenza…” 1-14-1890, p. 2.
— 195 Jan 5-11 “pulmonary causes.” NYT. “March of the Influenza…,” 1-14-1890, 2.
— 10 Jan 12. NYT. “March of the Influenza at Home…,” 1-14-1890, 2.
— 25 Jan 19-25. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/5, 1-31-1890, 39.
–1,076 Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract of San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 77.[24]
— 657 Feb. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/11, 3-14-1890, 113.[25]
— 154 Feb 2-8. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/7, 2-14-1890, 59.[26]
— 37 Feb, flu. Ingals. “The Epidemics of Influenza of 1890…in Chicago.” NIH.
— 7 Mar, flu. Ingals. “The Epidemics of Influenza of 1890…in Chicago.” NIH.
— 191 Mar. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/16, 4-18-1890, 171.[27]
–1,096 Jan-Mar, pneumonia. Ingals, E. F. “The Epidemics of Influenza of 1890…Chicago.”[28]
— 1 Dixon Jan 7. New York Times. “Fatal Results of the Disease.” 1-9-1890, p. 1.
— 6 Galesburg, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., V5/N8, 2-21-1890, 77
— 5 “ Feb. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/11, 3-14-1890, 114.[29]
Indiana ( >54) Indianapolis Jan-March
— 2 Indianapolis, by Jan 10. Marion Daily Star, OH. “Deaths From La Grippe.” 1-10-1890, 1.
— 11 “ Jan 11-17. Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., V5/N4, 1-24-1890, 25.
— 15 “ Jan 18-24. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/5, 1-31-1890, 39.
— 4 “ Feb 1-7. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/7, 2-14-1890, 60.
— 4 “ Feb 8-14. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 73.
— 18 “ Mar 8-14. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/12, 3-21-1890, 121.[30]
Iowa ( 52) Jan-Feb
— 52 Blanchard tally of breakouts below.
— 1 Creston, Jan 5. Daily Record, Lawrence, KS. “‘La Grippe’ Victims.” 1-8-1890, 1.
— 28 Des Moines, Feb. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/12, 3-21-1890, 123.[31]
— 13 Dubuque, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 77.[32]
— 14 “ Feb. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/11, 3-14-1890, 114.[33]
— 2 Keokuk, Feb 2-8. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., V5/N11, 3-14-1890, 114.
Kentucky ( 96) Louisville Jan
— 96 Louisville, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/9, 2-28-1890, 90.[34]
Louisiana ( 121) New Orleans Jan-Feb
–14 New Orleans, Jan 12-18. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/5, 1-31-1890, 39.[35]
–27 “ Jan 26-Feb 1. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 73[36]
–18 “ Feb 2-8. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 73.[37]
–29 “ Feb 16-22. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/10, 3-7-1890, 97.[38]
–33 “ Feb 23-Mar 1. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/11, 3-14-1890, 105.[39]
Maine ( 48) Portland especially Jan
— 1 Biddeford, Jan 8. New York Times. “Fatal Results of the Disease.” 1-9-1890, p. 1.
–47 Portland, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 77.[40]
Maryland ( 481) Baltimore Jan-March
— 1 Baltimore, Jan 5. Marion Daily Star, OH. “Deaths from Influenza.” 1-6-1890, p.1.[41]
— 73 “ Jan 12-18. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., V5/N4, 1-24-1890, 25.
–105 “ Jan 19-25. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/5, 1-31-1890, 39.[42]
— 37 “ Feb 2-8. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/7, 2-14-1890, 59.[43]
— 27 “ Feb 9-15. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 73.[44]
— 48 “ Feb 16-22. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/9, 2-28-1890, 87.[45]
— 66 “ Feb 23-Mar 1. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/10, 3-7-1890, 97[46]
— 62 “ Mar 2-8. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/11, 3-14-1890, 105.[47]
— 61 “ Mar 9-15. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/12, 3-21-1890, 121.[48]
Massachusetts (>395) Boston especially Jan-Feb
–395 Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.
— ? Abington, outbreak Shattuck. “Influenza in Massachusetts.” BMSJ, 7-24-1890, 73.[49]
— ? Attleboro, outbreak Shattuck. “Influenza in Massachusetts.” BMSJ, 7-24-1890, 73
— 11 Boston, Dec 22-Jan 1. Daily Herald, Oskaloosa, IA. “Turned His Brain.” 1-6-1890, p. 4.
–159 Boston, Jan 5-11 New York Times. “The Death Roll Swelling.” 1-12-1890, p. 5.[50]
–56 “ Jan 5. NYT. “High and Low the Victims. Thousands…” 1-7-1890, p. 1.
–17 “ by Jan 7. Indiana Democrat, PA. “Still Holds Its Grip…” 1-9-1890, p. 2.
— 3 “ Jan 8-9. Steubenville Herald, OH. “La Grippe.” 1-10-1890, p. 4.[51]
— ? Brockton, outbreak Shattuck. “Influenza in Massachusetts.” BMSJ, 7-24-1890, 73.
— ? Campello, outbreak Shattuck. “Influenza in Massachusetts.” BMSJ, 7-24-1890, 73.
— ? Dedham, 15% attacked. Shattuck. “Influenza in Massachusetts.” BMSJ, 7-24-1890, 73.
— 60 Fall River, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 78.[52]
— 52 “ Feb. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/12, 3-21-1890, 121.[53]
— ? Middleboro, 10% pop. affected. Shattuck. “Influenza in Massachusetts.” BMSJ, 7-24-1890, 73.
— 1 Milford, Jan 12. New York Times. March of the Influenza…” 1-14-1890, p. 2.
— ? New Bedford, late Dec start. Shattuck. “Influenza in Massachusetts.” BMSJ, 7-24-1890, 73.
— 1 Newton, by Jan 4. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Reports, 5/2, 1-10-1890, 2.
— 21 “ Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/9, 2-28-1890, 90.[54]
— ? Readville, 6% attacked. Shattuck. “Influenza in Massachusetts.” BMSJ, 7-24-1890, 73.
— ? Rockland, 6% attacked. Shattuck. “Influenza in Massachusetts.” BMSJ, 7-24-1890, 73.
— 1 Springfield, Jan 11. Davenport Tribune, IA. “They Are…‘A-Gripping’.” 1-12-1890, 2.
— ? Taunton, outbreak Shattuck. “Influenza in Massachusetts.” BMSJ, 7-24-1890, 73.
— 56 Worcester, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/9, 2-28-1890, 90.[55]
— 32 “ Feb. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/12, 3-21-1890, 123.[56]
Michigan ( 294) Detroit especially (236) Jan-March
–294 Blanchard tally from breakouts below
— 5 State (influenza) US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., V5/N7, 2-14-1890, 63
–150 Detroit, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 78.[57]
— 54 “ Feb. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/12, 3-21-1890, 123.[58]
— 32 “ Mar. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/17, 4-25-1890, 181.[59]
— 30 Grand Rapids, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/7, 2-14-1890, 63.[60]
— 28 “ Feb. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/11, 3-14-1890, 116.[61]
Minnesota ( 308) Minneapolis (154) Jan-Feb
–203 State, Feb. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/15, 4-11-1890, 153.[62]
–105 Minneapolis, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 78.[63]
— 49 “ Feb. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/11, 3-14-1890, 116.[64]
Missouri ( 501) St. Louis (500) Jan-March
–501 Blanchard tally based on breakouts below
— ? Jefferson City, cases. New York Times. “March of the Influenza.” 1-3-1890, p. 1.
— 1 Kansas City, ~Jan 1. Cedar Rapids Gazette, IA. “Condensed Telegrams.” 2-2-1890, 1.
–224 St. Louis, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 78.[65]
–201 “ Feb. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/11, 3-14-1890, 116.[66]
— 75 “ Mar. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/16, 4-18-1890, 172.[67]
New Hampshire ( >3)
–3 Dover, Jan 13-14. New York Times. “March of the Influenza.” 1-3-1890, p. 1.
–? Portsmouth. New York Times. “Fatal Results of the Disease.” 1-9-1890, p. 1.[68]
New Jersey ( 466) Jan-Feb
–395 Hudson County, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/10, 3-7-1890, 97.[69]
— 65 “ Feb. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/13, 3-28-1890, 133.[70]
— 1 Keyport, Monmouth Co. Jan 2. Daily Record, Lawrence, KS. “`La Grippe’s’…” 1-4-1890.
— 2 Newark, Essex Co. Jan 2. Daily Record, Lawrence, KS. “`La Grippe’s’…” 1-4-1890, p.1.
— 1 Plainfield, Union Co. Jan 2. Daily Record, Lawrence, KS. “`La Grippe’s’…” 1-4-1890, 1.
— 1 Trenton, Mercer Co. Dec 30. Salem News, OH. “La Grippe. Its Ravages…” 1-1-1890, 1.
New York, Jan-Mar (5,255-6,767) New York City especially, also Brooklyn and Rochester
–5,255-6,767 State, Jan-Feb Blanchard tally using Jan-Feb US Marine Hospital Service reports.
–4,000-5,512 State, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/12, 3-21-1890, 124.[71]
— 1,255 “ Feb. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/14, 4-4-1890, 143[72]
Breakouts by locality where noted:
–120 Albany, Jan 3-13. NYT. “March of the Influenza at Home and Abroad,” 1-14-1890, 2.[73]
— ? Amsterdam, Jan 6. “…there are 2,000 cases.”[74]
— 8 Binghamton, Jan 18-25. Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/5, 1-31-1890, 39.[75]
— 90 Brooklyn, Dec 30-Jan 5. Daily Herald, Oskaloosa, IA. “Turned His Brain.” 1-6-1890, p. 4
–135 “ Dec 29-Jan 4. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts, 5/3, 1-17-1890, 15.[76]
–252 “ Jan 5-11. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/4, 1-24-1890, 25.[77]
–212 “ Jan 12-18. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/4, 1-24-1890, 25.
–184 “ Jan 19-25. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/5, 1-31-1890, 39.[78]
–135 “ Jan 26-Feb 1. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/6, 2-7-1890, 49.[79]
–127 “ Feb 2-8. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/7, 2-14-1890, 59.[80]
–143 “ Feb 9-15. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 73.[81]
–118 “ Feb 16-22. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/9, 2-28-1890, 87.[82]
–135 “ Feb 23-Mar 1. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/10, 3-7-1890, 97.[83]
— 2 Buffalo, Jan 5. “The influenza…is increasing its ravages…”[84]
— ? Canajoharie, Jan 6. “At Canajoharie there are 800 sufferers…”[85]
— ? Fonda, Jan 6. Cases. NYT. “High and Low the Victims. Thousands Suffering…” 1-7-1890, p1.
— ? Fort Plain Jan 6. “At Fort Plain 500 persons are ill from the disease…”[86]
— ? Lockport Jan 6. NYT. “High and Low the Victims. Thousands Suffering…” 1-7-1890, p1.
— 2 NYC Dec 31. Salem Daily News, OH. “La Grippe. Its Ravages…” 1-1-1890, 1.
— 5 “ Dec 31-Jan 3. Daily Record, Lawrence KS. “`La Grippe’s’ Victims.” 1-4-1890, 1.[87]
— 5 “ Jan 1. Fort Wayne Sentinel, IN. “The Deadly Grip.” 1-2-1890, p. 1.
— 1 “ Jan 2. Fort Wayne Sentinel, IN. “The Deadly Grip.” 1-2-1890, p. 1.
— 1 “ Jan 3. Decatur Daily Dispatch, IL. “Still Spreading.” 1-3-1890, p. 1.
— 76 “ Jan 4-5. NYT. “March of the Malady…Police Force…Crippled.” 1-7-1890.[88]
— 56 “ Jan 5-6. NYT. “March of the Malady…Police Force…Crippled.” 1-7-1890.[89]
— 96 “ Jan 6-7. New York Times. “Victims of Influenza.” 1-8-1890.[90]
— 61 “ Jan 7-8, pneumonia. New York Times. “The Epidemic.” 1-9-1890.
–104 “ Jan 7-8. New York Times. “The Grip is Spreading.” 1-9-1890.[91]
–147 “ Jan 9. Las Vegas Optic, East Las Vegas, NV. “The Disease…” 1-11-1890.[92]
–125 “ Jan 9-10. Daily Reporter, Logansport, IN. “The Plague.” 1-11-1890.[93]
— 93 “ Jan 5-11. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract of San. Rpts., 5/3, 1-17-1890, 15.
— 99 “ Jan 10-11. Davenport…Tribune, IA. “They Are…‘A-Gripping’.” 1-12-1890, 2.[94]
— 89 “ Jan 12-18. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/4, 1-24-1890, 25.
— 25 “ Jan 19-25. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/5, 1-31-1890, 39.
— 18 “ Jan 26-Feb 1. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/7, 2-14-1890, 59.
— 11 “ Feb 2-8. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/7, 2-14-1890, 59.
— 9 “ Feb 9-15. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 73.
— 6 “ Feb 23-Mar 1. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/10, 3-7-1890, 97.
— 5 “ Mar 2-7. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/11, 3-14-1890, 105.
— 3 “ Mar 8-15. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/12, 3-21-1890, 121.
— 1 “ Jan 11 New York Times. “The Death Roll Swelling.” 1-12-1890, p. 5.
— >1 Middletown, Jan 1, New York Times. “March of the Influenza.” 1-3-1890, p. 1.[95]
— 13 Rochester, Jan 4-10. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/3, 1-17-1890, 15.
— 24 “ Jan 11-18. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/4, 1-24-1890, 25.
— 39 “ Feb. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/12, 3-21-1890, 124.[96]
— 6 “ Feb 2-8. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/7, 2-14-1890, 560.
— 9 “ Mar 2-8. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/12, 3-21-1890, 121.[97]
— 1 Tribes Hill, ~Jan 5. The Derrick. Oil City, PA. “La Grippe Increasing.” 1-7-1890, p. 1.
— 2 Troy Jan 7. New York Times. “Fatal Results of the Disease.” 1-9-1890, p. 1.
— 1 “ Jan 11. New York Times. “The Death Roll Swelling.” 1-12-1890, p. 5.
North Carolina ( 48) Jan
— 48 State, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/11, 3-14-1890, 116.[98]
Ohio (1,248) Cincinnati and Cleveland especially Jan-March
–730 State, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/12, 3-21-1890, 125.[99]
–244 “ Mar. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/18, 5-2-1890, 193.[100]
–58 Cincinnati, Jan 12-18. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/4, 1-24-1890, 25.[101]
–75 “ Jan 19-25. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/5, 1-31-1890, 39.[102]
–60 “ Jan 26-Feb 1. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/6, 2-7-1890, 49.[103]
–40 “ Feb 2-8. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/7, 2-14-1890, 59.[104]
–46 “ Feb 9-15. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 73.[105]
–53 “ Feb 16-22. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/9, 2-28-1890, 87.[106]
–43 “ Feb 23-Mar 1. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/10, 3-7-1890, 97.[107]
–42 “ Mar 9-15. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/12, 3-21-1890, 121.[108]
–32 Cleveland, Dec 29-Jan 4. Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…Rpts., V5/N7, 2-14-1890, 59[109]
–41 “ Jan 5-11. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/9, 2-28-1890, 87.[110]
–60 “ Jan 12-18. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/9, 2-28-1890, 87.[111]
–60 “ Jan 26-Feb 1. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 73.[112]
–56 “ Feb 2-7. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/10, 3-7-1890, 97.[113]
–35 “ Feb 8-15. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/10, 3-7-1890, 97.[114]
–40 Dayton, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/7, 2-14-1890, 64.[115]
— 1 Springfield, by Jan 9. Steubenville Herald, OH. “Ohio Flashes.” 1-10-1890, p. 4.
— 1 Toledo. Feb 8-14. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., V5/N8, 2-21-1890, 73.
Pennsylvania (1,221) Philadelphia (1,218) Jan-Mar 8
–1,221 Blanchard tally from breakouts below.
— 1 Connellsville, Jan 1. New York Times. “March of the Influenza.” 1-3-1890, p. 1.[116]
— ? Huntingdon, 500 cases reported Jan 14. NYT. “March of the Influenza.” 1-3-1890, p. 1.
— 1 Lancaster, Jan 6. Indiana Democrat, PA. “Still Holds Its Grip…” 1-9-1890, p. 2.
–1,218 Philadelphia Blanchard tally from breakouts below.
— 1 “ Dec 29-Jan 4. Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/5, 1-31-1890, 39.
— 3 “ Jan 6. The Derrick, Oil City, PA. “La Grippe Increasing.” 1-7-1890, 1.[117]
— 156 “ Jan 12-18. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/5, 1-31-1890, 39.[118]
— 261 “ Jan 19-25. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/6, 2-7-1890, 49.[119]
— 189 “ Jan 26-Feb 1. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/7, 2-14-1890, 59.[120]
— 138 “ Feb 2-8. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 73.[121]
— 120 “ Feb 9-15. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/9, 2-28-890, 87.[122]
— 111 “ Feb 16-22. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/10, 3-7-1890, 97.[123]
— 130 “ Feb 23-Mar 1. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…Rpts., 5/11, 3-14-1890, 105.[124]
— 109 “ March 2-8. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/12, 3-21-1890, 121.[125]
— ? Reading, Jan 6 NYT. “High and Low the Victims. Thousands Suffering…” 1-7-1890, 1.[126]
— 1 Scottdale, ~Jan 2. Janesville Daily Gazette, WI. “It Is Surely ‘La Grippe’.” 1-3-1890, 1.
Rhode Island ( 431) Providence especially Jan-March
–262 State, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 79.[127]
— 86 “ Feb. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/13, 3-28-1890, 135.[128]
— 83 “ Mar. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/18, 5-2-1890, 193.[129]
— 1 Newport, Jan 3-9. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/4, 1-24-1890, 25.
— 10 “ Jan 10-16. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/4, 1-24-1890, 25.
— 2 “ Jan 31-Feb 6. Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., V5/N8, 2-21-1890, 74.
— 2 “ Feb 7-13. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 74.
— 5 “ Feb 14-20. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/10, 3-7-1890, 97.[130]
— >1 Providence, Jan 1. New York Times. “March of the Influenza.” 1-3-1890, p. 1.
— 35 “ Jan 5-11. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…Sa. Rpts., V5/N3, 1-17-1890, 15.
— 32 “ Jan 9. Marion Daily Star, OH. “Deaths From La Grippe.” 1-10-1890, 1.[131]
— 42 “ Jan 12-18. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/4, 1-24-1890, 25.[132]
— 28 “ Jan 19-25. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/5, 1-31-1890, 39.[133]
— 20 “ Jan 26-Feb 1 US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/6, 2-7-1890, 49.[134]
— 12 “ Feb 2-8. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/7, 2-14-1890, 60.[135]
Tennessee, Jan-Feb ( 186) Chattanooga and Nashville Jan-Feb
–127 State, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/10, 3-7-1890, 98.[136]
— 28 Chattanooga, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/7, 2-14-1890, 64.[137]
— 25 “ Feb. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/11, 3-14-1890, 116.[138]
— 35 Nashville, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 79.[139]
— 7 “ Feb 8-15. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/8, 2-21-1890, 73.[140]
— 34 “ Feb. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/12, 3-21-1890, 125.[141]
Texas ( 75) San Antonio Jan
–75 San Antonio, Jan. US Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., 5/7, 2-14-1890, 64.[142]
Wisconsin ( 563)
–563 State. WI Board of Health. Thirteenth Report….1889-1890. Pp. 3, 34-35.
— 24 Chippewa County. WI Board of Health. Thirteenth Report of….1889-1890. 1891, 35.
— 33 Columbia County. WI Board of Health. Thirteenth Report of….1889-1890. 1891, 35.
— 27 Dodge County. WI Board of Health. Thirteenth Report of….1889-1890. 1891, 35.
— 22 Jefferson County. WI Board of Health. Thirteenth Report of….1889-1890. 1891, 35.
— 22 Milwaukee Co. WI Board of Health. Thirteenth Report of….1889-1890. 1891, 35.
— 22 Portage County. WI Board of Health. Thirteenth Report of….1889-1890. 1891, 35.
— 22 Racine County. WI Board of Health. Thirteenth Report of….1889-1890. 1891, 35.
— 24 Sheboygan Co. WI Board of Health. Thirteenth Report of….1889-1890. 1891, 35.
— 22 Walworth County. WI Board of Health. Thirteenth Report of….1889-1890. 1891, 35.
— 1 La Crosse, ~Jan 15. Monroe Daily Independent, WI. “State News.” 1-16-1890, 4.
— 8 Milwaukee, Jan 5-11. Daily Reporter, Logansport, IN. “The Plague.” 1-11-1890.
Narrative Information
California:
US MHS: “California. – Month of December, 1889….The mortality from consumption increased during the month to 171. Pneumonia also increased its mortality to 81 deaths, 45 of which occurred in San Francisco. Bronchitis caused 38 deaths, which is also an increase over the previous month. Congestion of the lungs was fatal in 9 instances….
“Influenza was quite prevalent throughout the State, although not having as yet attained the severity which characterizes the disease as reported from Europe and the Eastern States. It is undoubtedly the same disease, and will become epidemic, although the type may be milder. No deaths from it have yet been reported, but many of our correspondents agree upon the fact that the disease is characterized by that extreme debility which is likely to prove fatal to the debilitated, or those suffering from previous sickness, or in the very aged.” (U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Abstract of Sanitary Reports., V5/N4, 1-24-1890, 29-30.)
US MHS: “Influenza and related diseases….San Diego, Cal. – The acting assistant surgeon Marine-Hospital Service, says, under date of January 22, that ‘a modified type of the influenza has reached this port….The most notable symptoms are the frontal headache, coryza, soreness of eyeballs and muscles, together with a feeling of great depression and languor.’” (U.S. Marine-Hospital Service Abstract of Sanitary Reports, V5/N6, 2-7-1890, 49-50.)
Connecticut:
US MHS, Dec: “Connecticut. – Month of December, 1889. Reports to the State board of health from 198 cities and towns show a total of 948 deaths during the month…48 more than the average number of deaths in December for the four preceding years. The deaths included…consumption, 125, pneumonia, 112; and bronchitis, 37. The Monthly Bulletin says:
….During the last week in the month the pandemic known as ‘la grippe’ appeared almost simultaneously in many parts of the State. Of the 30 sanitary correspondents in widely separated towns, more than one-half mention its appearance. Since then its general prevalence in every community is too often a matter of personal experience….”
(U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Abstract of Sanitary Reports., V5/N4, 1-24-1890, 30.)
US MHS, Jan: “Connecticut. – Month of January, 1890. Reports to the State board of health from 165 cities and towns show an aggregate of 1,648 deaths during the month. This was 700 more than in December, and 756 more than in January, 1889, and 718.6 more than the average in January for the preceding five years…..The Monthly Bulletin for January says:
“Epidemic influenza has prevailed in every place in the State from which reports have been received. And wherever the time of invasion is mentioned, it is said to have been about the last week in December.
Such an universal and synchronous occurrence of an epidemic throughout the country, almost with the suddenness of an explosion, is utterly inconsistent with the possibility of depending upon personal contagion, particularly if any period of incubation is allowed. While its rapid spread seems incompatible with any known means of communication, every plausible theory of its extension which has been suggested involves an aerial or atmospheric medium of infection. No facts have yet been discovered from which a positive conclusion as to the special cause of the disease can be established. Nor is any precaution known by means of which the infection can be avoided or its prevalence restricted.
Having regard for its almost universal impression, in some form, upon the public health, it is to be called a mild epidemic; that is, of the whole number affected only a few are seriously sick, and the total deaths attributed to it have numbered only 38. But regarding it from another standpoint – that is, from the actual results which may fairly be attributed to it, without reference to the numbers concerned, it is the most disastrous and fatal epidemic which has afflicted Connecticut in many years. Although the fatality directly attributed to it is not large, yet the increased mortality from other diseases, particularly of the lungs, presumably aggravated by this epidemic, is unprecedented. There were 396 deaths from pneumonia in January; 97 were reported from bronchitis and 199 from consumption.
The total mortality during the month exceeded any previous experience in a single month in the history of the State.”
Jan 14: “New-Haven, Jan. 14. – Dr. Charles A. Lindsley, Secretary of the State Board of Health, says that returns from all over the State show that influenza is prevalent in every town; that there has been a great increase in the death rate, and that a large proportion of the deaths have been caused by pneumonia resulting from influenza. Statistics of this city show an average daily death rate of nine for this month, which is about twice as large as the usual average. About one-third of the deaths have been caused by pneumonia.” (NYT. “Deaths from Influenza.” 1-15-1890, p. 5.)
Delaware:
“Influenza and related diseases….Wilmington, Del. – Week ended February 15. Phthisis pulmonalis and pneumonia are the principal causes of death.” U.S. Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., V5/N8, 2-21-1890, 74.)
Florida:
“Jacksonville, Fla., Jan. 6. – The disease has reached this city at last, and there have been reported 75 or 100 cases of undoubted ‘la grippe’ and many cases of influenza in a milder form.” (Saturday Herald, Decatur, IL. “‘La Grippe’s’ Victims.” 1-11-1890, p. 2.)
Illinois:
Belvidere, IL:
Jan 5: “Belvidere, Ill., Jan. 5. – The influenza has reached this city and is spreading rapidly. There is probably thirty cases, and now victims are being reported hourly.” (Daily Herald, Oskaloosa, IA. “Turned His Brain…[NY] Physician Goes Mad from Influenza.” 1-6-1890, 4.)
Carrollton, IL:
Jan 7: “Carrollton, Ill., Jan. 7. – The physicians report twenty cases of Russian influenza in this city.” (Daily Record, Lawrence, KS. “‘La Grippe’ Victims.” 1-8-1890, p. 1.)
Chicago, IL:
“In 1890 Dr. S. Wickersham, health commissioner, said in his annual report:
Influenza beginning in our city early in January reached its height the last week in January at which time my belief is that over 100,000 of our citizens were sufferers from that cause alone. It continued to prevail during February, March and April in a modified degree. Its duration was about four months. In the week having the highest mortality there were 694 deaths.”
(Evans and Heckard (MD’s with the Chicago Dept. of Health), ~1918, 845.)
Ingals: “The epidemics of influenza occurring in Chicago during the last winter [1891] and the preceding year differed from each other considerably in their effect upon the respiratory and digestive organs and upon the nervous system.
“In 1890 the disease made its appearance at about the first of January….Persons of every class, all ages, and either sex were attacked; but…children suffered from it much less than adults….
“The exact period at which influenza first showed itself cannot be determined. Four or five weeks preceding the actual beginning of the epidemic many patients suffered from acute rhinitis and sore throat which were often termed influenza, though they did not appear different from or much more frequent than the colds which prevail in ordinary years. However, during this same time there occasionally occurred cases presenting the peculiar symptoms of sudden fever, malaise, great prostration, and aching of the muscles, which have been so noticeable during the two epidemics….
“The statistics of the Chicago Board of Health show that in 1890 there were 64f deaths in January from influenza, 37 in February, and 7 in March….However, as pointed out by Dr. N. S. Davis,[143] in these same months there were a larger number of deaths from pneumonia, very many of which were due to they influenza as a primary or complicating factor, and the prevalence of inflammation of the lungs may fairly be taken as an indication of the extent and virulence of the epidemic.
“In 1889, the year preceding the first occurrence of the epidemic, which was an average winter, there were recorded 384 deaths from pneumonia during the first three months: 128 in January, 111 in February, and 145 in March.
“In 1890, the first year of the epidemic, during the same period there were 1096 deaths from pneumonia, and in 1891, during the same period, 1233, of which 280 were in January, 233 in February, and 720 in March….
(Ingals, Dr. E. Fletcher. “The Epidemics of Influenza of 1890 and 1891 in Chicago.” Accessed at National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine.)
Jan 3: “Chicago, Jan. 3. – There is an increasing epidemic of influenza in Chicago. There is hardly a physician in the city who will deny this statement. The only question on which the doctors disagree is whether this influenza is la grippe. The majority declare that it is. There are probably not less than 20,000 at the present time, and the number is constantly increasing.” (Decatur Daily Dispatch, IL. “Still Spreading.” 1-3-1890, p. 1.)
Jan 5: “Chicago, Jan. 5. – Within the past two days Russian influenza, or la grippe, which is epidemic in Chicago, has developed into a far more pronounced and dangerous type. This is due to the warm, damp weather, and the slight rain which fell yesterday morning had the effect of causing conditions that create the greatest feelings of alarm among physicians for their patients. Twenty persons are afflicted in one house alone on the West side. Conservative estimates place the number of afflicted in the city at 40,000. Tho police and fire departments are suffering from the ravages of the malady; fully 100 members of each are off duty through sickness. Thousands of schoolchildren are sick, and it is likely that not more than two-thirds of the full number will be in attendance when the schools reopen on Monday.” (Daily Herald, Oskaloosa, IA. “Turned His Brain. A New York Physician Goes Mad from Influenza.” 1-6-1890, p. 4.)
Decatur, IL:
Jan 3: “Decatur, Ill., Jan. 3. – There are several cases of Russian influenza in this city.” (Decatur Daily Dispatch, IL. “Still Spreading.” 1-3-1890, p. 1.)
Monticello, IL:
Jan 11: “Monticello, Ill., Jan. 11. – ‘La grippe’ is prevailing in all the cities and towns of central Illinois and is seriously affecting all classes. One physician of this city reports fifty cases. Some whole families have it.” (Davenport Morning Tribune, IA. “They Are All ‘A-Gripping’.” 1-12-1890, p. 2.)
Newton, IL:
Jan 7: “Newton, Ill., Jan. 7. – Several persons here are suffering with ‘la grippe.’ No deaths have been reported.” (Daily Record, Lawrence, KS. “‘La Grippe’ Victims.” 1-8-1890, p. 1.)
Quincy, IL:
Jan 11: “Quincy, Ill., Jan. 11. – Quincy has ‘the grip’ and has it bad. Physicians report that there are not less than 1,000 cases of the annoying disease in the city, though no fatalities can be attributed to it.” (Davenport Morning Tribune, IA. “They Are All ‘A-Gripping’.” 1-12-1890, 2.)
Tuscola, IL:
Jan 3: “Tuscola, Ill., Jan. 3. – About fifteen cases of la grippe have developed here in the last day or two. Among the first attacked were two of the leading physicians. The cases with two or three exceptions are mild.” (Decatur Daily Dispatch, IL. “Still Spreading.” 1-3-1890, p. 1.)
Urbana, IL:
Jan 11: “Champaign, Ill., Jan. 11. – ‘La grippe’ is making sad havoc with the Ohio, Indiana & Western shopmen, firemen, and engineers in Urbana. The company has scarcely enough men to move trains.” (Davenport Morning Tribune, IA. “They Are All ‘A-Gripping’.” 1-12-1890, 2.)
Indiana:
“Indianapolis, Ind., Jan 10 – A canvass of the principal factories of the city made yesterday shows that influenza is badly epidemic, for hardly one in the whole number has a full force of men at work. One hundred men have been compelled to lay off at the Malleable Iron works three factories have fifty men each on the sick list, and four more have as many as forty each. Twenty-seven industries inquired of, report a total of 190 [unclear] employes absent on account of the disease. So far there have been but two fatal cases.” (Marion Daily Star, OH. “Deaths From La Grippe.” 1-10-1890, p. 1.)
Iowa:
Jan 7: “Creston, Ia., Jan. 7. – Allie Robb, daughter of the editor of the Independent American, died Sunday night of pneumonia which resulted from an attack of ‘la grippe’.”
“Lyons, Ia., Jan. 7. – Physicians admit that there are a number of serious cases of ‘la grippe’ in both Clinton and Lyons and many light ones. The disease is not general here.” (Daily Record, Lawrence, KS. “‘La Grippe’ Victims.” 1-8-1890, p. 1.)
Kansas:
Jan 2: “There are 500 cases of influenza in Salina, Kas.” (Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette, IA. “Condensed Telegrams.” 2-2-1890, 1.)
Jan 5: “Manhattan, Kan., Jan. 5. – One hundred cases of influenza are reported here, mostly of a mild type. At Olathe, Kan., a canvass among the physicians revealed the existence of seventy-five cases of the disease.” (Daily Herald, Oskaloosa, IA. “Turned His Brain. A New York Physician Goes Mad from Influenza.” 1-6-1890, p. 4.)
Kentucky:
Louisville:
Jan 1: “Louisville, Ky., Jan. 1. – F. E. Matchell, of Boston, a traveling man, came to this city from his home last Sunday and registered at Sennig’s Hotel. Soon after his arrival he was taken ill and Dr. Allen pronounced it a genuine case of Russian grippe. He is convalescent. But now four servant girls, a barkeeper and several others who live at the hotel are sick with influenza. The complaint bids fair to spread over the entire city.” (Salem Daily News, OH. “La Grippe. Its Ravages in Various Sections of the Country.” 1-1-1890, 1.)
Maine:
“Portland, Me. – January 4, 1890. The health officer reports ‘considerable influenza, which has not yet increased our death rate.’” (U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Weekly Abstract of Sanitary Reports, V5/N2, 1-10-1890, 2.)
Maryland:
Jan 6: “Baltimore, Jan. 6 – Over half the students at the Johns Hopkins university are nearly sneezing their heads off. Several days ago la grippe visited them and it has been steadily increasing until now. The first death that has occurred in Baltimore traceable to grippe occurred yesterday afternoon. John Benedict Kissnar, a carpet weaver living at No. 1619 Bank street contracted a heavy cold in the head on Dec. 27. It extended to the chest and pneumonia was developed and he died yesterday afternoon.” (Marion Daily Star, OH. “Deaths from Influenza.” 1-6-1890, 1.)
US MHS: “Influenza and allied diseases….Baltimore, Md. – Week ended January 18. Sixty-eight deaths from pneumonia; 40 from phthisis; 5 from bronchitis.” (U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Abstract of Sanitary Reports., V5/N4, 1-24-1890, 25.)
Massachusetts:
Jan 1, Boston: “Boston, Jan 1. — According to the records at the office of the board of health, there have been two deaths of adults in this-city since Saturday [Dec 28], caused by influenza in conjunction with other diseases, making a total of six. It is the opinion, nevertheless, that la grippe has begun to abate. The report comes from the public institutions on Deer Island that the malady has obtained a secure foothold among the inmates and is spreading. There are 100 severe cases now in the hospital and seventy-five or more outside. Less than a half dozen cases have been reported in the police department since last week. Of the 900 post-office employes 100 are off duty.” (Salem Daily News, OH. “La Grippe. Its Ravages in Various Sections of the Country.” 1-1-1890, 1.)
Jan 4, Boston: “Boston, Mass. – January 4, 1890. The health officer reports that ‘influenza is still very prevalent.’” (U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Weekly Abstract of Sanitary Reports, V5/N2, 1-10-1890, 2.)
Jan 4, Newton: “Newton, Mass. – January 4, 1890. The clerk of the board of health reports that ‘la grippe is raging here as elsewhere, and its complications with other diseases are peculiar and quite fatal, although in itself it does not seem to be fatal.’ He reports ‘one death from pulmonary collapse caused by the epidemic influenza attacking a child having the whooping-cough.’” (U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Weekly Abstract of Sanitary Reports, V5/N2, 1-10-1890, 2.)
Jan 5, Boston: “Boston, Jan. 5. — Eleven deaths resulting from influenza have been reported to the Board of Health within the past ten days. In each case, however, la grippe was complicated with some other disease. The deaths all occurred between December 22 and January 1, four of them on December 29. The patients were of varying ages, mostly adults, and it is noticeable that while old people and young infants are susceptible, children from 3 to 14 years old are not.” (Daily Herald, Oskaloosa, IA. “Turned His Brain. A New York Physician Goes Mad from Influenza.” 1-6-1890, 4.)
Jan 7, Boston: “Boston, Jan. 7. – A canvass of twenty of the public schools of this city having a total of 9,209 pupils shows that over 1,900 are absent, mostly on account of ‘’la grippe.’ There were fifty-six deaths reported to the bureau of health Sunday, which is the largest number reported in any one day since the board was established. Dr. McCullom, the statistician of the board, says that 100,000 is a very small estimate of the number of persons in Boston who are suffering from the grip. There have been seventeen deaths resulting with the grip, with complications, and one death from grip alone. The city physician says he does not think there is yet much diminution of the influenza here. The total number of deaths reported yesterday up to 5 o clock was eighty-five, which is three times the average daily mortality of the past three years.” (Indiana Democrat, Indiana, PA. “Still Holds Its Grip. Fatal Cases of Influenza…” 1-9-1890, 2.)
Jan 9, Boston: “Boston, January 9, — There is no longer any joking in Boston over the ravages of the grip. It has now assumed a phase too grim for pleasantry. The people are dying so rapidly that undertakers cannot bury them fast enough. All the hearses in the city have been pressed into service, and surrounding towns were asked to contribute of their stock, but there was as great need everywhere. Seventy-three deaths were recorded. The day before 86 certificates were turned in. While only three of these cases were directly due to the influenza, nearly all were from the secondary effects.
“The establishments which supply undertakers with material for their calling are pushed to their utmost to provide for the unceasing demand for funeral habiliments. William L. Lockhart, proprietor of one of the biggest establishments of the kind, said: ‘Our house has been established 40 years, but we never saw anything like this rush; it is unprecedented. We furnish a great many hearses to undertakers, many of whom in Boston do not own one. Recently we let 22 hearses in one day, 17 in one morning and 5 in the afternoon. In one week, from Friday night until the following Saturday morning, we furnished 97 hearses to Boston undertakers. This week we had out over 50 hearses. If the funerals all came in the same half of the day I don’t know what we should do, but very many of them are Catholic funerals, and take place in the morning, so we can re-let the hearses in the afternoon.’
“A call upon many of the prominent undertakers showed that ‘la grippe’ is no respecter of persons, although it seemed as if the North End was being rather more severely afflicted than other portions of the city. It is said that one priest in that section in one day attended 16 dangerously sick persons, and administered the last sacraments to four. In St. Stephen’s parish, in that quarter of the city, there were 14 funerals on Sunday. ‘I never saw the beat of it in my life, not even when the smallpox raged,’ said one of the representatives at one undertaker’s establishment at the North End. ‘I had an interment in Holy Cross cemetery, in Malden, this morning, and I counted ten other funerals while I was there, and they told me there were to be 27 more there to day.’ This is a new Catholic cemetery, and many of those who die in the Charlestown district are taken there for interment….`I don’t know, I’m sure, where we are going to get hearses if this thing keeps on,’ said another. ‘I’m driven to death all the time, and have had twenty-five funerals since Christmas. The victims are mostly people who are fairly well to do, and are by no means confined to the very poor people of this district’.”
“Another said: ‘I have had about twenty orders since January 1, and ten since Sunday. In fact, I have all I can do to meet the demand. I find the victims are nearly all grown persons. I had three funerals at St. Stephen’s this morning, one at the French church, and I shall have two at St. Stephen’s in the morning.’
“The proprietor of one of the high-toned establishments has had seventeen orders for funerals since Sunday.” (Steubenville Herald, OH. “La Grippe. Undertakers Driven to Death in Boston.” 1-10-1890, 4.)
Jan 5-11, Boston: “Boston, Mass. – During the week ended January 11 influenza was reported as still prevalent.” (US Marine-Hospital Service. Abstract of Sanitary Reports, 5/3, 1-17-1890, 15.)
Jan 13, Milford: “Milford, Mass., Jan. 13. – The grip has almost paralyzed the Milford Daily Journal Of thirteen suburban correspondents eleven have been badly attacked, one, R. D. Horan of Hopkinton, dying last night. At the office in Milford only one out of five escaped, The editor, business manager, local editor, and news foreman are severely sick, as are also their wives. Two-thirds of the composing force are just recovering, and there has been great difficulty in getting out a paper at all.” (New York Times. “March of the Influenza at Home and Abroad.” 1-14-1890, p. 2.)
Michigan:
US MHS: “Michigan. – Week ended January 4, 1890….Influenza increased 103 percent over the preceding week.” (U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Abstract of Sanitary Reports., V5/N3, 1-17-1890, 19.)
Jan 12: “Benton Harbor, Mich., Jan. 11. – Many people here are victims of ‘la grippe,’ among them several prominent business men.” (Davenport Morning Tribune, IA. “They Are All ‘A-Gripping’.” 1-12-1890, p. 2.)
US MHS: “Michigan. – Month of January, 1890. Reports to the State board of health, Lansing, indicate that, compared with the preceding month, influenza, pneumonia, pleuritis, and membranous croup increased….The secretary of the State board of health says:
‘La grippe’ is reported by a few observers, and, apparently, some call certain types of cases of the prevailing epidemic ‘intermittent fever;’ but, even though its causation and symptoms are somewhat like those of intermittent fever, ‘influenza’ is undoubtedly the best name for the disease, and it is so reported on 98 percent of all the weekly reports by Michigan physicians received at the office of the State board of health for the week ending February 1, the most sickness being caused by influenza, pneumonia, bronchitis, and rheumatism….
There have been only five deaths directly attributable to la grippe.”
(U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Abstract of Sanitary Reports., V5/N7, 2-14-1890, 62-63.)
US MHS: “Influenza in Michigan.
“U.S. Marine-Hospital Service,
Ludington, Mich., February 12, 1890.
“Sir: I have the honor to report as follows: Our city has a population of 9,000. Fully one-half of our citizens have had the influenza. The symptoms generally were fever, pain in the head and extremities, muscular pain in both sides, often sore throat, and great prostration…” (U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Abstract of Sanitary Reports., V5/N8, 2-21-1890, 74.)
Minnesota:
“Minnesota. – From Public Health for December, 1889, the following is extracted:
Bronchitis. – 18 deaths (12 males, 6 females), in 8 localities, 8 counties; 78 percent occurred in cities. Ages, 88 percent under 2 years. A slight increase in mortality compared with last month.
Pneumonia. – 45 deaths, (28 males, 17 females), in 24 localities, 23 counties; 57 percent occurred in cities. Ages, 49 percent under 5 years; between 15 and 30 years, 24 percent; between 30 and 50 years, 11 percent; between 50 and 70 years, 15 percent. A decided increase compared with last month.”
(U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Abstract of Sanitary Reports., V5/N3, 1-17-1890, 19-20.)
Missouri:
Jan 10: “St. Louis, Jan 10 – There are thirty cases of la grippe in the city jail. None of them are serious however. At the state penitentiary, at Jefferson City, la grippe is playing havoc. The hospital bulletin showed 119 patients. Of this number, 100 are victims of the epidemic. There are no dangerous cases, the physician reports. There are ten officers of the prison down with the epidemic. The chief clerk, Mr. Berryman, is quite sick.” (Marion Daily Star, OH. “Deaths From La Grippe.” 1-10-1890, p. 1.)
Feb 2: “Wm. Walker, aged 18, of Kansas City, died from influenza.” (Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette, IA. “Condensed Telegrams.” 2-2-1890, 1.)
New Hampshire:
Jan 10: “Manchester, N.H., Jan 10 – The big corporations are beginning to feel the results of the epidemic in the scarcity of help, and there are thousands of idle looms in the various mills. At the
Amoskeag 1,000 persons are out, at the Manchester 400, at the Amory 200, and at the Stan 300. The French paper, L’Avenir, Canadian, has been obliged to suspend publication, its typos all being sick.” (Marion Daily Star, OH. “Deaths From La Grippe.” 1-10-1890, p. 1.)
Jan 26-Feb 1: “Influenza and allied diseases….Manchester, N.H. – Week ended February 1. Statistics gathered by the board of health show that in a population of 13,823 persons employed in some of the principal mills, shops, and other establishments of the city 4,969 have within the past month been absent from work for a longer or shorter time on plea of sickness. This indicates that fully one-third of the whole population of the city has suffered from the grippe. Information from the schools, both public and parochial, leads to a similar conclusion.” (U.S. Marine-Hospital Service Abstract of Sanitary Reports, V5/N6, 2-7-1890, 49-50.)
New Jersey:
Jan 1: “Jersey City, N.J., Jan. 1.–The grippe has caught on firmly and has spread over the entire city. There is scarcely a dwelling where one or more inmates are not suffering from its attack or some ailment which they term the grippe.” (Salem Daily News, OH. “La Grippe. Its Ravages in Various Sections of the Country.” 1-1-1890, 1.)
Jan 1: “Trenton, N.J., Jan. 1. – Every physician in the city is busy attending patients afflicted by influenza. Very few families have escaped the epidemic, but only two or three serious cases are reported. Even some of the physicians themselves have succumbed to it and are confined to their homes. One fatal case was reported Monday evening [Dec 30]. It was that of Michael Mulhall, twenty-six years old.” (Salem Daily News, OH. “La Grippe. Its Ravages in Various Sections of the Country.” 1-1-1890, 1.)
Jan 3: “One death from ‘la grippe’ has occurred at Keyport, N. J., and two at Newark.
Jersey City’s Victims.
“Jersey City, N.J., Jan. 3. – Thirty policemen. 28 firemen, 30 sugar-refinery employes, 42 horse-railroad employes, 15 compositors in the Jersey City News office, 20 employes at the tire shops, 18 butchers at the abattoir at the foot of Sixth street and 16 zinc workers have got ‘la “grippe.’ The deaths, of three victims of the disease have been reported.
Resulted Fatally.
“Plainfield, N.J., Jan. 3. – Florence Louise Elden died from “la grippe” at the home of her sister. Mrs. L. E. Hazell, here yesterday. On Thursday of last week she was stricken with the influenza
which developed into typhoid pneumonia.” (Daily Record, Lawrence, KS. “`La Grippe’s’ Victims.” 1-4-1890, p. 1.)
New York:
“New York. – Month of December, 1889….The Monthly Bulletin says:
The total reported mortality for December is about 1,000 in excess of that of November, but is not much higher than that of December, 1888….From respiratory diseases there is an increased mortality over last month and over December 1888. This is probably due in part to the appearance generally throughout the State at the commencement of the last week of the month of epidemic influenza, from which cause directly a few deaths are returned….”
(U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Abstract of Sanitary Reports., V5/N7, 2-14-1890, 63-64.)
US MHS: “New York. – Month of January, 1890. Reports to the State board of health from eight districts, including New York City, Brooklyn, and 129 other cities and towns, show a total of 12,374 deaths, as against 8,337 in January, 1889….Phthisis pulmonalis caused 1,765 deaths and acute respiratory diseases 3,847. The Monthly Bulletin says:
The mortality for January is over 60 percent, or nearly 5,000 greater than the average during the past five years in this month. It is greater by 2,000 than that of July, the most fatal month in the year. The increase is not due to ordinary zymotic diseases, the actual number of deaths from which is 340 less than in January, 1889. The percentage of deaths under five years of age is also less by about one-half than the average for January. The increase has been due to the remarkable occurrence of epidemic influenza, which began in December. Only a few hundred deaths have been certified to from this cause directly. It has shown itself in a large mortality from all local diseases. The number of deaths from acute respiratory diseases is about three times greater than the average in January, and from diseases of the nervous, circulatory, and digestive systems there is an increase of 70 percent; deaths from old age are increased; and from unclassified causes they are nearly doubled. The death rate from the preventable diseases is unusually low, and the mortality record for the month would have been less than the average but for the advent of this uncontrollable epidemic, which has added not less than 4,000 to the mortality for the month.
(U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Abstract of Sanitary Reports., V5/N12, 3-21-1890, 124.)
US MHS: “New York. – Month of February, 1890. Reports to the State board of health from 8 districts, which include New York City, Brooklyn, and 132 other cities and towns, show a total of 8,578 deaths, including phthisis pulmonalis, 1,255….The Monthly Bulletin says.
The mortality for February is about 1,000 in excess of the average for that month for the past five years, and about 400 greater than that of February, 1889….Deaths from all local diseases continue, as in January, much above the average, from the continued prevalence of epidemic influenza. The number of deaths reported as directly due to this disease is small, but it is frequently certified to as contributory, and chiefly to diseases of the respiratory and digestive organs. There are 500 more deaths from acute respiratory diseases, 300 from consumption, and 75 from digestive diseases, than in February, 1889. The death rate of 134 cities and large villages is 21.24 per 1,000 population annually, that of last month being 29.05, and of February, 1889, 21.32.
(U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Abstract of Sanitary Reports., V5/N14, 4-4-1890, 145.)
Jan 6: “Albany, N.Y., Jan 6. – La Grippe is creating a profound sensation in the Mohawk Valley. At Amsterdam there are 2,000 cases, among the sufferers being the three principal physicians. At Fort Plain, 500 persons are ill from the disease, including Dr. Burnell. At Canajoharie there are 303 sufferers, including United States Commissioner Van Steenburgh and Henry Joy. The latter is seriously ill. Several hundred cases have been reported at Fonda, Fultonville and St. Johnsville and one death has occurred at Tribes Hill.” (The Derrick. Oil City, PA. “La Grippe Increasing.” 1-7-1890, p. 1.)
Albany:
Jan 1: “Albany, N.Y., Jan 1. – The grippe has spread rapidly here in the last few days and the doctors are hard pressed to keep up with the constant demands made upon them. The public departments are run with only partial forces. In the Capitol there are many empty desks. Chancellor Pierson was taken ill with the disease and the Deputy Superintendent of Insurance, Mr. Ruggles, is down with the grippe and pneumonia. Several heads of departments are sick. The doctors here are certain that a majority of the cases are of the genuine Russian type.” (Salem Daily News, OH. “La Grippe. Its Ravages in Various Sections of the Country.” 1-1-1890, 1.)
New York City (greater NYC):
Dec 31, 1889: “New York, Jan 1. – Two more deaths which are indirectly traceable to la grippe were reported yesterday. One is that of Mrs. Horace A. Hutchins, wife of the vice president of the Standard Oil Company, who died of acute pneumonia superinduced by la grippe. Another is that of Duplessis M. Helm, a well-known lawyer, who died from pneumonia, resulting from a bad attack of la grippe.
“All the city departments have more employes on the sick list and the same condition exists among the banks, insurance companies and stores. The number of members of the police force that are laid up is 302. The hospitals all report a large number of applicants for treatment who claim to be affected with influenza. The cases are usually aggravated by other complications and are often quite serious.” (Salem Daily News, OH. “La Grippe. Its Ravages in Various Sections of the Country.” 1-1-1890, 1.)
Jan 2: “New York, Jan. 2. – The officers of the Broadway road report that about eight per cent of their employes are down with the grip, and the Eighth avenue line has about five per cent of its men laid up by the disease. Many officers, though suffering from it, stick to their jobs….
“James F. Morrow, the popular barber of Centre street, is a victim of the prevailing malady. He died at 5 o’clock yesterday afternoon after an illness which had lasted barely a week..
“Patrolman Kilbridge, attached to the East Twenty-second station, died early yesterday morning of pneumonia, after an illness of only twelve hours.
“Patrolman William Hanzel, of the Thirtieth street station, died at 2 o’clock yesterday of pneumonia.
“David Gerrow, a policeman of the Tombs police court, died yesterday afternoon of pneumonia. He had been ill since Thursday, apparently with the grip…..
“Mr. Joseph H. Teeling, employed in the supply department of the general post office, was taken ill Tuesday with the epidemic, which assumed the form of pneumonia, and caused his death yesterday….
“Ellen Carroll, thirty-eight years old, and the mother of four children, threw herself from a third story window in the flat No. 14 East 28th street, this morning, while delirious from a violent attack of la grippe. She was instantly killed.” (Fort Wayne Sentinel, IN. “The Deadly Grip.” 1-2-1890, p. 1.)
Jan 3: “New York, Jan. 3. — Henry R. Pierson, chancellor of the regents of the University of New York, aged 70 years, has died of what seems to have been la grippe. There is no lessoning of the grasp of the malady. Physicians especially in the up-town sections, say they are tired out and many of them are sneezing in accord with their patients. There has been an increase in some parts of the city of 20 per cunt, in the number of cases since Christmas, especially among children, and some of the new cases are showing unusual developments in the way of sore throats and bodily pains.” (Decatur Daily Dispatch, IL. “Still Spreading.” 1-3-1890, p. 1.)
Jan 3: “New York, Jan. 3. – ‘La grippe’ shows no signs of letting go in this city. No less-than 350 members of the police force are now in its clutches according to reports received a headquarters up to noon today. Among them were one captain, four sergeants, four roundsmen and eight doormen. This is a decided increase over yesterday’s returns. The health board, however, does not appear at all alarmed, its members contending that the disease, while annoying, is in no wise dangerous. They say they have not heard of a death to-day from the disease. The Brooklyn police force is also badly demoralized. Over 130 out of the force of 900 are reported sick to-day.
“New York, Jan. 3. – Since ‘la grippe’ became epidemic eight members of the police force have died from disease supposed to have been caused by it.” (Daily Record, Lawrence, KS. “`La Grippe’s’ Victims.” 1-4-1890, p. 1.)
Jan 4: “New York, Jan 4. – Four cases of sudden death were reported at the coroner’s office today. For twenty-four hours, at noon to-day, 231 deaths wore reported, making a total for the week of 1302, an unprecedented number for this season of the year. The number of deaths reported the previous week was 763. The scare that the prevailing epidemic has in increasing the mortality is shown in the number of victims to the diseases of the organs of the respiration. Three hundred and sixty-two policemen are reported on the sick list to-day. Ten have died from pneumonia during the weak.” (Galveston Daily News, TX. “La Grippe. It Increases Mortality.” 1-5-1890, p. 6.)
Dec 29-Jan 4: “Brooklyn, N.Y. – During the week ended January 4 there were 106 deaths from pneumonia, 57 from phthisis, and 29 from bronchitis.” (U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Abstract of Sanitary Reports, V5/N3, 1-17-1890, 15.)
Jan 5: “New York, Jan 6. – Nine deaths from la grippe were reported to the coroner’s office yesterday. Most of the deaths occurred in the cheap lodging houses in the tenement house district.
“The extent to which the prevailing malady has seized upon the people of New York can be estimated in some degree by the number of cases which are registered at the different hospitals. At the Bellevue hospital there have been sixty-five new cases registered since Dec 28. Some of the cases are severe….
“The death rate for the city for the past twenty-four hours was 207. Fifteen more policemen were added to the la grippe list making the total disabled 377.” (Marion Daily Star, OH. “Deaths From Influenza.” 1-6-1890, p. 1.)
Jan 5: “New York, Jan. 5. – Dr. Paul Hoffman, of New York, assistant superintendent of schools, has been taken to a hospital a raving maniac from the effects of influenza. Friday night he patrolled the corridors of the flat in which he resides, firing off a revolver. Later on he went out into the street and was arrested by an officer while recklessly flourishing the weapon.
“An interesting phenomenon of the epidemic is that it has attacked men in greater numbers and with more serious results than women. Physicians account for this by the greater exposure to which men are subjected. The records at the health department show that out of fifty deaths from pneumonia more than half the victims were men.
“There have been ninety deaths from pneumonia so far this week in Brooklyn. The total mortality for the week is expected to run up to about 400, or sixty more than last week. There were 116 members of tho Brooklyn police force on the grippe list Friday, being four less than the previous day.” (Daily Herald, Oskaloosa, IA. “Turned His Brain. A New York Physician Goes Mad from Influenza.” 1-6-1890, p. 4.)
Jan 7: “There has been a marked decrease in the mortality since Saturday. For the twenty-four hours ending at noon on Sunday [Jan 5] the number of deaths reported was 208, of which 50 were from pneumonia, 16 from bronchitis…and 10 from influenza complicated with other diseases. During the twenty four hours ending at noon yesterday [Jan 6] the number of deaths reported had fallen to 146, of which 31 were from pneumonia…15 from bronchitis, 1 from influenza, and 10 from influenza complicated with other diseases. The one death in which the cause was given simply as influenza was that of an infant less than two months old.
“Dr. Tracy, the Register of Records of the Health Department, said yesterday that the decrease of the mortality was a very encouraging sign, and he was hopeful that the crisis of the epidemic had passed. The very feeble, and those who from their physical condition were peculiarly exposed to severe attacks of the disease and were likely to succumb, have passed away, and the mortality will now, it is expected, steadily decrease, particularly if the weather clears up and becomes clear and cold. Six weeks has been usually considered as the duration of the epidemic, and three weeks having already passed, the disease should in ordinary conditions have reached its worst phase, and should begin gradually to decline. People should be encouraged and not allow themselves to be panic-stricken, as such a condition of mind simply aggravates the disease and increases its fatality….
“The sickness among the police is on the increase. The precinct returns show 416 members of the force on the sick list….The large number of men sick has crippled several of the precincts, and Superintendent Murray yesterday drafted 150 men from among the force detailed on the Broadway, steamboat, City Hall, and court squads and sent them to the precincts most in need of assistance for patrol duty temporarily….
“One peculiar, and at the same time serious, feature of the epidemic and of its flood of resultant diseases is the corner in the professional nurse market. It is more difficult at present to secure the services of one of these invaluable adjuncts of the sickroom than it is to find the proverbial needle in the equally proverbial haystack.
“A gentleman who has a severe case of illness in his family started out on Saturday last at noon to hire a skilled nurse. He hunted about the agencies and hospitals till 7 o’clock that evening and from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. on Sunday before he succeeded in getting one. At all the places he visited he was met with the same story: ‘Not a nurse to be had,’ ‘All engaged and worked to death, except a few who are themselves prostrated with la grippe.’….
“The Jersey City undertakers are almost chipper as they assure visiting reporters that they never had so much business to attend to in their lives as they have now. Coroner James Murrer has within a week buried three members of one family from diseases into which the grip runs. He mentions the fact that when he went to a wholesale undertaking establishment where they usually have fifty to sixty iceboxes for the use of undertakers, not a single one was to be had. Undertaker Moran is quoted as having said that a hearse cannot be hired for love or money.” (New York Times. “March of the Malady. The Police Force Seriously Crippled.” 1-7-1890.)
Jan 8: At “…a meeting of the Health Board yesterday [Jan 7]…Sanitary Inspector Tracy put in a paper on the prevailing epidemic. He says in substance that the sudden increase in mortality is due apparently to influenza, as the deaths occur in every part of the city. The malady becomes dangerous by producing acute inflammation of the respiratory organs and other organs which are apt to be unfavorably affected in such cases, as the heart and kidneys….The increase of deaths is, to a great extent, among persons over twenty-five years.
“Mortality took another jump yesterday, the deaths for the twenty-four hours ending at noon numbering 235, an increase of 89 over Monday. Of this number 67 were due to pneumonia, 11 to bronchitis…and 18 to influenza complicated with pneumonia and bronchitis….
“A tour of the leading hotels yesterday disclosed the fact that ‘la grippe’ is materially affecting their patronage and travel to and from the city. There is always a reaction after the holidays, but this year there is evidence of something abnormal about the hotel register barometer….
“Te grip has seized the Justices of the Supreme Court, Justice Lawrence has been ill for several days, but is recovering. Justice William L. Smith of Elmira…succumbed to an attack after court hours on Monday, and is laid up at his hotel.
“More than one hundred prisoners in the Kings County Penitentiary are suffering from the grip, and Warden Hayes and several of the matrons are on th sick list.
“The Brooklyn Board of Health is kept busy issuing death certificates, many of which are due to fatal result of cases of grip. On Monday 106 burial permits were issued, as against 76 on Saturday and 75 on Friday. Yesterday 97 were given out….” (New York Times. “Victims of Influenza.” 1-8-1890.)
Jan 8-9: “There was a considerable increase in the number of deaths reported yesterday as compared with the list of the day before. During the twenty-four hours ending at noon 250 deaths were recorded, being an increase of 15 over the preceding twenty-four hours. Pneumonia is credited with 60 deaths, consumption caused 42, bronchitis 25, influenza 4, and influenza complicated with other diseases 15.” (NYT. “The Grip is Spreading. An Increased Death List Reported Yesterday.” 1-9-1890.)
Jan 9: “Physicians seem to be agreed that the remarkable mortality in New-York is to be ascribed to the same disease which has been ravaging Europe, and is there known as an influenza or a ‘grippe.’ Neither of these names describes the epidemic in this country, which is more properly a catarrhal fever, the increase of temperature being almost the only constant symptom, and the other manifestations of it so various that they might indicate a number of different and very slightly related diseases….
“…our epidemic seems to be very much more dangerous. The death rate for last week, following very shortly upon the healthiest week in the annals of the Health Department, was high beyond any precedent at this season, or at any time except an extremely fervent midsummer, when children, especially, succumb to the heat and to the maladies induced or aggravated by it. May deaths are positively ascribed to the epidemic itself, but the great mortality is due to the more serious diseases to which it opens the way. The number of deaths from pneumonia last week are so far beyond experience as to be very alarming, and this number seems likely to be increased by the record of the current week, unless some change for the better should take place at once. The deaths reported for the twenty-four hours ending at noon yesterday numbered 250, and 61 of these were attributed to pneumonia. How very large this number is many be judged from the fact that the deaths from pneumonia last week, by far the greatest recorded, were 298, whereas the mortality from pneumonia reported yesterday, if kept up for a week, would bring the aggregate to 427….” (New York Times. “The Epidemic.” 1-9-1890.)
Jan 10: “New York, January 10 – La grippe is spreading in this city as shown by yesterday’s mortality list, which records 250 deaths up to noon.
“This is the biggest number known in the history of the health department in twenty-four hours, during the winter months, and is more than in any summer month since July 3d, 1872, when 254 deaths occurred, sixty-eight of which were from sunstroke.
“Four of yesterday’s deaths are due directly to influenza, three men, aged forty-five, forty-seven and seventy years respectively, and a two-months baby that had not been well nursed. Sixty died from pneumonia, forty-two from consumption, and twenty-six from bronchitis….
“Of the 250 deaths yesterday, 147, or seventy-five percent, were due to influenza to some extent.
“The death list for the week thus far is as follows: Sunday 203, Monday 146, Tuesday 235, Wednesday 250, total 839….” (Las Vegas Daily Optic, East Las Vegas, NM. “The Disease Spreading.” 1-11-1890, 1.)
Jan 10: “New York, Jan 10 – There was a decrease in the mortality in the city yesterday, but 207 deaths were reported at the bureau of vital statistics. Pneumonia continued to lead all other diseases in causing death. The returns showed that it had been fatal in sixty-three cases and that twelve persons had died from influenza complicated with pneumonia. Phthisis caused twenty-four deaths and bronchitis twenty-two, while two deaths were said to have resulted from bronchitis and convulsions combined with influenza. One person whose death was caused partly by influenza was a woman 70 years old, three others were young children and the remaining ten were between 23 and 52 years old.
“The number of policemen on the duty list was 347, the surgeons having ordered on duty a number of men who said they had the grip, but who did not appear to be sick enough to stay indoors….
“Circulars have been sent out by Superintendent Jasper, of the board of education, to learn the amount of sickness in the public schools. It is estimated that at least 10 percent of the teachers have been absent this week on account of the influenza….” (Marion Daily Star, OH. “Deaths From La Grippe.” 1-10-1890, p. 1.)
Jan 5-11: “Influenza and allied diseases…Brooklyn, N.Y. – Week ended January 11. One hundred and ninety-five deaths from pneumonia; 68 from phthisis; 57 from bronchitis. Week ended January 18. One hundred and sixty-nine deaths from pneumonia; 80 from phthisis; 43 from bronchitis.” (U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Abstract of Sanitary Reports., V5/N4, 1-24-1890, 25.)
Jan 5-11: “Influenza. New York, N.Y. – During the week ending January 11 there were 93 deaths from influenza, seven of which were attributed to that disease alone; the others being complicated with bronchitis and pneumonia….” (U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Abstract of Sanitary Reports, V5/N3, 1-17-1890, 15.)
Poughkeepsie:
“Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Jan. 6. – Reports from thirty or forty physicians of this city show that they are attending to nearly 1,000 cases of ‘la grippe’.” (Saturday Herald, Decatur, IL. “‘La Grippe’s’ Victims.” 1-11-1890, p. 2.)
Rochester:
NYT: “Rochester, N.Y., Jan. 7. – The influenza is assuming a new phase here, many of its victims becoming crazed temporarily, as a physician put it to-night, ‘like a dog with the distemper.’ Several school children have been affected in this way, and have wandered away from the schools or their homes, and given other evidences of mental aberration.” (New York Times. “Crazed By The Influenza.” 1-8-1890.)
US MHS: “Influenza….Rochester, N.Y. – During the week ended January 11 the prevailing diseases were pneumonia, pleuritis, etc., induced by influenza, and causing 13 deaths.” (U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Abstract of Sanitary Reports., V5/N3, 1-17-1890, 15.)
“Influenza and allied diseases….Rochester, N.Y. – Week ended January 18. Five deaths from bronchitis, and 19 from pneumonia.” (U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Abstract of Sanitary Reports., V5/N4, 1-24-1890, 25.)
Ohio:
Jan 3: “Canton, Ohio. – January 3, 1890. The health officer states that ‘la grippe in a mild form is prevalent, with no deaths from it as yet.’
“Toledo, Ohio. – January 3, 1890. The health officer reports that ‘there is quite a large amount of la grippe – impossible to estimate – several hundred, probably.’” (U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Weekly Abstract of Sanitary Reports, V5/N2, 1-10-1890, 2.)
Jan 5: “Cleveland, O., Jan. 5. – Health Officer Ashmun, of this city, reports that there are 5,000 cases of la grippe in Cleveland. Policemen, firemen, street railroaders and nearly all classes are attacked by it. There have yet been no fatal cases here.” (Daily Herald, Oskaloosa, IA. “Turned His Brain. A New York Physician Goes Mad from Influenza.” 1-6-1890, p. 4.)
Jan 8: “The Russian influenza has spread very rapidly within this city [Lima] for the last few days. About half the town is ailing with the disease, or something of like character. Every cold is now called ‘La Grippe.’ Last Sunday the churches were lightly attended, owing to the sickness of members, and since then patients have multiplied on the hands of the doctors who are all busy and some of them have been suffering from the disease. So far, though there have been some cases of quite serious nature there have been no deaths such as baa been reported in Eastern cities. This Russian influenza has somewhat disorganized the schools, the Lima Machine Works have about half their force laid off on account of it, and their shops are in the same fix. Several of the firms printers are laid up and the managing editor is passing through a surge. Friends who meet upon the street greet each other with a look of woe and a sneeze. The druggists are bearing up bravely under the pressure.” (Lima Daily News, OH. “La Grippe. It Has Fastened Its Fangs in Lima.” 1-8-1890, 4.)
Jan 8: “Health officers in reporting to the State Board of Health estimate that the following number of cases have occurred in their respective towns, up to January 3d, 1890.
“Dayton — Probably 2,000 cases.
“Cincinnati – ‘Have seen nothing that could call epidemic influenza. Our best physicians express doubts about the disease being in our midst.’
“Toledo – ‘Several hundred.’
“Canton – ‘Several cases Every sick person thinks he has it.’
“Crestline – ‘A great many cases.’
“Conneaut – ‘Mildly epidemic.’
“New Richmond – ‘A few cases.’
“New Vienna – ‘A good many cases resembling influenza.’
“Ravenna – ‘A number of cases.’
“Warren – ‘Some cases.’
“Steubenville – ‘Its here in force.’
“Clyde – ‘Nine-tenths of the population,’ (which is 8,000)
Jan 8: “Influenza is reported by observers at Waverly, Oberlin, Middleport, Farmersville, Shanesville and Carrolton.” (Lima Daily News, OH. “Influenza in Ohio.” 1-8-1890, 4.)
Jan 9: “Nelsonville, O., Jan 9 – The long-looked for la grippe made its first appearance in our city yesterday – some of our most prominent citizens being the first attacked. In all the cases so far reported the symptoms have been very mild.” (Marion Daily Star, OH. “Deaths From La Grippe.” 1-10-1890, p. 1.)
Jan 12-18: “Influenza and related diseases….Cincinnati, Ohio. Week ended January 18. Phthisis, 17 deaths; bronchitis, 10; pneumonia, 31.” (U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Abstract of Sanitary Reports., V5/N4, 1-24-1890, 25.)
Pennsylvania:
Jan 1: “Carlisle, Pa., Jan. 1. – The Russian influenza has appeared in the Cumberland valley. Fully 500 cases are reported. In this city the physicians say there are 125 cases, but few of a serious nature. No deaths have been reported as yet.” (Salem Daily News, OH. “La Grippe. Its Ravages in Various Sections of the Country.” 1-1-1890, 1.)
Jan 6: “Johnstown, Pa., Jan 6 – Dr. George W. Wagoner, local member of the state board of health, says there are from 100 to 600 [unclear, 500?] cases of grippe in Johnstown. A number of the cases are serious.” (Marion Daily Star, OH. “Deaths From Influenza.” 1-6-1890, 1)
Jan 6: “Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 6. – Two hundred and thirty-one policemen of this city are sick of the grippe. The force is seriously crippled. Three deaths due to the malady are reported to-day. One hundred and 62 deaths from pulmonary difficulties occurred last week.” (The Derrick. Oil City, PA. “La Grippe Increasing.” 1-7-1890, p. 1.)
Jan 7: “Lancaster, Pa., Jan. 7. – Martin L. Oblender, a young man of this city, was attacked by the influenza on Saturday, and died Monday [Jan 6] morning.”
Jan 7: “Reading, Pa., Jan. 7. – It is estimated that there are now no less than 3,000 cases of influenza in Reading, and reports are coming in of the extensive prevalence of the disease in the surrounding country districts.
Many Sick in Pittsburg.
Jan 7: “Pittsburg, Jan. 7. – Many officers are on the sick list in this city, all suffering from influenza….” (Indiana Democrat, Indiana, PA. “Still Holds Its Grip. Fatal Cases of Influenza…” 1-9-1890, 2.)
Feb 2-8: “Influenza and related diseases….Pittsburgh, Pa. – Week ended February 8. Over one-fourth of the death rate was from pneumonia.” (U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Abstract of Sanitary Reports, V5/N8, 2-21-1890, p. 73.)
Rhode Island:
Dec 1889: “Rhode Island. – Month of December, 1889. Reports to the State board of health from cities and towns representing an aggregate population of 299,320 show a total of 434 deaths….The Monthly Bulletin says:
The reports from the medical correspondents from the different sections of the State indicate that up to the 18th or 20th of December, the general amount of sickness of all kinds was no larger, and in a considerable proportion of the localities was even smaller than the general average of the corresponding month in previous years. From the 20th of December onward, there was a steady increase in the total amount of general sickness, in the larger number of the towns, the greater part of which was from the usual diseases of the season and especially nasal and bronchial catarrh. There was also in the last week of the month, in a considerable part of Providence County, a rather sudden and large prevalence of what has in times past been termed the ‘influenza,’ having, however, in many cases some characteristics not usually observed, as for instance, abdominal pains and diarrhoea, great mental depression and lassitude, and with all the usual manifestations of influenza greatly intensified. At the beginning of the year, the same form of ‘influenza’ increased rapidly, and at this writing, January 11, probably not less than one in every ten of the population in the northern half of the State have felt the influence in a greater or less degree.
“During the month of December, according to the returns, pneumonia and bronchitis increased about 50 percent…
(U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Abstract of Sanitary Reports., V5/N4, 1-24-1890, 31-32.)
Jan 2: “Newport, R.I. – January 2, 1890. The executive officer of the board of health says that the prevailing disease is ‘la grippe – lots of it. Seven of the police force out of 34 sick with it.’” (U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Weekly Abstract of Sanitary Reports, V5/N2, 1-10-1890, 2.)
Jan 5-11: “Providence, R. I. – During the week ended January 11 influenza was the prevailing disease. There were 22 deaths from simple bronchitis or pneumonia, 9 from influenza complicated with bronchitis or pneumonia, and 4 from influenza with other complications.” (U.S. Marine-Hospital Service. Abstract of Sanitary Reports, V5/N3, 1-17-1890, 15.)
Jan 9: “Providence, R.I., Jan. 10 – Inside of five hours yesterday, twenty-one deaths were reported here from grippe and pneumonia and seven deaths at near by out-of town places. Among the Providence victims were James Greely, a well known North end business man, Sullivan Mueller, aged 77, the oldest merchant tailor in Providence, a business partner of the late Mayor Bodman.” (Marion Daily Star, OH. “Deaths From La Grippe.” 1-10-1890, p. 1.)
Jan 10-16: “Influenza and related diseases….Newport, R.I. – Week ended January 16. The weekly report of the board of health contains the following:
I estimate that fully 15,000 cases of influenza or ‘la grippe’ have occurred in this city, judging from my own observations. With the possible exceptions of 5 of the 15 deaths reported, I believe that all are direct results of some condition of atmosphere which is making the whole world sick. While only 3 are directly charged to ‘grippe,’ still it is evident that some great cause has been at work to kill off this number of people (all but one being over forty years of age, that one a child of two years). Last week we had 1 death, besides a child of seven years. I believe that 1 death to be chargeable in influenza, and possibly the child’s…’La grippe’ is still raging, but must soon die out for want of victims.”
(US Marine-Hospital Service Abstract of Sanitary Reports., V5/N4, 1-24-1890, 25.)
US MHS: “Rhode Island….The following is extracted from the Monthly Bulletin for February:
Health of the State. – Reports from the medical correspondents in all sections of the State show that for the month of January the ‘influenza’ was by far the most predominant cause of sickness. No town or any considerable proportion of any town had been exempt. The type was also reported as quite unusually severe, and in several respects differed from the usual form, and attended with considerable fatality.
In most of the towns the disease was subsiding at the end of the month. Bronchitis and pneumonia, were also reported from the larger number of the towns as having an unusually large prevalence and of severe type as a rule.”
(U.S. Marine-Hospital Service Abstract of Sanitary Reports., V5/N8, 2-21-1890, 79.)
Tennessee:
“Influenza and related diseases….Nashville, Tenn. – Week ended February 8. Diseases of the respiratory organs constitute nine-tenths of the prevailing sickness.” (U.S. Marine-Hosp. Ser. Abstract…San. Rpts., V5/N7, 2-14-1890, 60.)
Washington, D.C.
Jan 5: “Washington, Jan. 5. – A large number of Congressmen are down with the grip and the work in the departments is seriously retarded by the prevailing sickness among the clerks and officials. In fact, there is no business in the city that is not more or loss affected by it.” (Daily Herald, Oskaloosa, IA. “Turned His Brain. A New York Physician Goes Mad from Influenza.” 1-6-1890, p. 4.)
West Virginia:
Jan 5: “Parkersburg, W.Va., Jan 6 – la grippe is increasing here. Editor R. I. Horner of The Sentinel is reported fatally ill, and Chief of Police Dale is confined to his room.” (Marion Daily Star, OH. “Deaths From Influenza.” 1-6-1890, p. 1.)
Jan 6: “Parkersburg, W.Va., Jan. 5. – This State has begun to experience la grippe. Information from Martinsburg, Charleston, Huntington, Wheeling, Clarksburg, Point Pleasant and several other points is that there are a number of castes of genuine influenza. In this city many are down with the disease. Governor Wilson and Secretary of State Walker are among the afflicted. A number of children have it. On the Ohio side, just adjoining this city, there are many eases. So far there have been no fatalities.” (Daily Herald, Oskaloosa, IA. “Turned His Brain. A New York Physician Goes Mad from Influenza.” 1-6-1890, p. 4.)
Wisconsin:
Jan 6: “Milwaukee, Jan. 6. – The grippe has got a tight hold on Milwaukee and, aided by the uncomfortably warm and damp weather, it is making rapid headway despite the efforts of the physicians to check it.” (The Derrick. Oil City, PA. “La Grippe Increasing.” 1-7-1890, p. 1.)
Jan 6: “Milwaukee, Wis., Jan. 6. – A dispatch from Madison, Wis., says that Governor Hoard and his entire family are down with ‘la grippe’.” (Saturday Herald, Decatur, IL. “‘La Grippe’s’ Victims.” 1-11-1890, p. 2.)
WI State Board of Health: “State of Wisconsin, Office of the State Board of Health, October 31st, 1890.
“Hon. W. D. Hoard, Governor of Wisconsin:
“Sir: — In accordance with the provisions of law we have the honor to present the following thirteenth report of the State Board of Health, covering the biennial period ending September 30, 1890.
“We are glad to record the fact that during this period there have been no widespread epidemics of disease of any kind in the state with the exception of the form of Influenza, popularly known as La Grippe, which appeared in Wisconsin in December last, soon after its first appearance in this country, and rapidly spread throughout the entire commonwealth, a fairly conservative estimate of its prevalence being that over one-half of the population suffered from it noticeably, while it is probable that its depressing effects were felt by many who did not recognize it otherwise.
“Reports received at the Secretary’s office from a very large number of physicians and health officers refer to this epidemic as the cause directly or indirectly of 563 deaths. Wisconsin, however, probably did not suffer more heavily from La Grippe than many other States and probably not more than the average of the entire country. This peculiar and widespread epidemic has been the subject of extensive investigations which are still progressing, and which it is hoped may give us clearer ideas concerning its causation and the possible prevention of future epidemics than now exist….” (WI State Board of Health 1891, 1.)
La Grippe.
“Inquiries relative to the prevalence of the peculiar epidemic of Influenza known as ‘La Grippe’ develop the following facts. Every county in the state excepting Douglas and Forest, which have not been heard from, report the prevalence of this epidemic during the winter of 1889-90, the per-cent of the population affected ranging from 10 per-cent, the lowest which any county reports, up to 80 per-cent, the highest in any county, Burnett being the lowest and Washburn the highest; the general average throughout the state being about 55 per-cent. The counties of Bayfield, Chippewa, Juneau and Oneida report an average of about 70 per-cent, while Lincoln and Outagamie report an average of about 20 per-cent, and Marathon, Polk and St. Croix report about 30 per-cent.
“The number of deaths attributed to this disease directly are very few, but these together with those attributed to its complications make the very considerable number of 563. Some, while they report no deaths, say that quite a number are still suffering from its effects in throat, lung, and catarrhal troubles.
“The counties from which the largest number of deaths were reported are Columbia, 33; Dodge, 27; Sheboygan, 24; Chippewa, 24; Milwaukee, Jefferson, Portage, Racine and Walworth report 22 each; while ten counties report no deaths directly due to its effects.
“This is a very conservative estimate, as in all cases where two rates were given, as ‘from one-half to two-thirds,’ or ’30 to 40 per-cent,’ the lowest was taken, and in such general estimates as ‘nearly all had it,’ the entry was made at about one-half or two-thirds.” (34-35.)
(Wisconsin State Board of Health. Thirteenth Report of The State Board of Health of Wisconsin. 1889-1890. Madison, WI: Democrat Printing Co., 1891, pp. 1, 34-35.)
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[1] Technically, what became the flu epidemic of early 1890 began in late December 1889.
[2] The range has to do with NY State. We believe our total estimate is conservative. A problem with the reports to the U.S. Marine-Hospital Service from the States, which the statistics used herein are largely based upon, is that they tend to cover only the larger metropolitan areas, and thus do not address influenza and related mortality elsewhere, and not all States reported to the Marine-Hospital Service. Another is that physicians across the country labeled influenza-type deaths by a variety of names, not necessarily caught up in reports to the States or the federal government, and that influenza hastened the death of people with other afflictions, as well as “morphed” into death-dealing afflictions, such as pneumonia, which the reports quoted from below note a sharp increase from the norm after the influenza epidemic begins in late December 1889. We omit reports of “influenza” deaths in States where the monthly deaths were less than ten, as well as newspaper accounts of seemingly isolated cases.
[3] Phthisis pulmonalis, 7; bronchitis, 1; pneumonia, 2; lung congestion, 1.
[4] Phthisis pulmonalis, 9; bronchitis, 1.
[5] Pneumonia.
[6] Pneumonia, 6, phthisis pulmonalis, 7; bronchitis, 5.
[7] Pneumonia, 9; phthisis pulmonalis, 10, bronchitis, 3.
[8] Pneumonia, 18; phthisis pulmonalis, 33; bronchitis, 4.
[9] Pneumonia, 88; phthisis pulmonalis, 114; bronchitis, 23.
[10] Phthisis pulmonalis.
[11] Pneumonia.
[12] Pneumonia, 75; phthisis pulmonalis, 68; bronchitis, 8.
[13] Pneumonia, 19; phthisis pulmonalis, 25; influenza, 4.
[14] Influenza, 38; pneumonia, 396; bronchitis, 97; consumption, 199. It was also noted that there had been 700 more deaths in Jan than in Dec, 756 more deaths than previous Jan, and 718.6 more deaths than last 5-year Jan average.
[15] Phthisis pulmonalis, 132; pneumonia, 177; bronchitis 58; consumption, 132,
[16] Phthisis pulmonalis.
[17] Pneumonia and lung congestion, 75; bronchitis, 17; phthisis pulmonalis, 32. A Jan 8 article noted “Nearly half the people of this city are suffering from influenza, and there have been forty-seven deaths here in six days, due principally to diseases of the respiratory organs, and in several cases superinduced by influenza.” (New York Times. “Fatal Results of the Disease.” 1-9-1890, p. 1.)
[18] Influenza, 5; pneumonia, 24; bronchitis, 4; phthisis pulmonalis, 23. A Jan 8 article noted “It is estimated that at least one-fourth of the inhabitants of this city either have or have had the Russian epidemic in a mild form.” (New York Times. “Fatal Results of the Disease.” 1-9-1890, p. 1.)
[19] Influenza, 5; pneumonia, 24; phthisis pulmonalis, 23.
[20] The DC Health Officer reports an increase of 412 deaths over the previous year, “which may be readily accounted for by reason of the prevalence of acute influenza, or ‘la grippe,’ during the winter and spring months. The principal increase in mortality is shown to have resulted from lung diseases, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and congestion of the lungs, having as a fore-runner the influenza referred to.” We arbitrarily, but we think conservatively, translate this statement into our estimate of more than 100 influenza-related fatalities
[21] Fatalities during the worst week of the four month epidemic.
[22] Jan 1889 deaths were 1,255; Jan 1890 were 2,501.
[23] It is probable the number 64 refers only to cases diagnosed as influenza. Reporting, as well as death certificates at the time noted a range of pulmonary related deaths – “la grippe,” pneumonia, bronchitis, phthisis pulmonalis, etc.
[24] Phthisis pulmonalis 224; bronchitis 159; capillary bronchitis 73; lung congestion 23; pleuritis 9; pneumonia, 518.
[25] Phthisis pulmonalis, 178; bronchitis, 147; pneumonia, 295; influenza, 37.
[26] Acute lung diseases, 138; influenza, 16.
[27] Phthisis pulmonalis.
[28] Ingals notes that during same three months the preceding fairly typical year, there were 384 pneumonia deaths.
[29] Phthisis pulmonalis, 2; bronchitis, 1; pneumonia, 2.
[30] Phthisis pulmonalis, 12; pneumonia, 6.
[31] Phthisis pulmonalis, 14; pneumonia, 7; influenza, 7.
[32] Bronchitis, 2; lung congestion 4; pneumonia, 7.
[33] Phthisis pulmonalis, 6; pneumonia, 3; influenza, 5.
[34] Influenza, 1; bronchitis, 13; pneumonia, 40; phthisis pulmonalis, 42.
[35] Influenza, 1; bronchitis, 3; pneumonia, 10.
[36] Influenza, 1; bronchitis, 9; pneumonia, 3; phthisis pulmonalis, 14.
[37] Bronchitis, 2; pneumonia, 7; phthisis pulmonalis, 9.
[38] Bronchitis, 3; pneumonia, 10; phthisis pulmonalis, 15; influenza, 1.
[39] Bronchitis, 3; pneumonia, 13; phthisis pulmonalis, 17.
[40] Bronchitis, 3, pneumonia, 24; phthisis pulmonalis, 15; lung congestion, 5.
[41] A Jan 6 article notes “…some physicians say that there are at least 50,000 persons afflicted…” (NYT. “High and Low the Victims. Thousands Suffering…” 1-7-1890, p. 1.)
[42] Bronchitis, 3; lung congestion, 5; phthisis pulmonalis, 41; pneumonia, 56 (influenza epidemic report section).
[43] Bronchitis, 4; phthisis pulmonalis, 32; influenza, 1.
[44] Bronchitis, 3; phthisis pulmonalis, 24.
[45] Bronchitis, 13; phthisis pulmonalis, 22; pneumonia, 23.
[46] Bronchitis, 2; phthisis pulmonalis, 32, pneumonia, 32.
[47] Bronchitis, 8; phthisis pulmonalis, 25; pneumonia, 29.
[48] Bronchitis, 4; phthisis pulmonalis, 31; pneumonia, 26.
[49] Writing of the returns from a questionnaire from Abington and Brockton, “this return gives 50% of the population as attacked.”
[50] Boston, Mass., Jan. 11. – Up to noon today the Board of Health has received reports of 436 deaths, the largest number ever recorded in seven days. Diseases of the respirator organs have been terribly effective. No less than 113 deaths are ascribed to pneumonia, 82 to consumption, and 32 to bronchitis. Influenza, pure and simple, caused 14 deaths. The death rate for the week reaches the unprecedented total of 53.81. Last week there were 327 deaths, and the rate was 40.97.” See, also: “Boston, Jan. 6. – ‘One hundred thousand,’ said Dr. McConnell, Statistician of the Board of Health, to-day, ‘is a very small estimate of the number of persons in Boston who are suffering from the grip. There were 56 deaths reported to us yesterday, as against 43 the Sunday before. Fifty-six is the maximum, and is the largest for any one day since the board was established. The largest death rate of any one week in Boston previous to this was in July 1888, when there were 276 of cholera infantum, but last week footed up to 348.” (NYT. “High and Low the Victims. Thousands Suffering…” 1-7-1890, p. 1.)
[51] These three were direct influenza deaths. The article notes that there were 86 deaths recorded on the 8th and 73 on the 9th and that “nearly all were from the secondary effects” of influenza.
[52] Phthisis pulmonalis, 17; bronchitis, 17, influenza, 2; pneumonia, 22; lung congestion, 2.
[53] Phthisis pulmonalis, 21; bronchitis, 13; pneumonia, 17; influenza, 1.
[54] Phthisis pulmonalis, 6; bronchitis, 2; pneumonia, 13 – state report notes that influenza, which began during Christmas week “and has run through January…has caused a large increase in deaths from pneumonia, consumption, and kindred diseases, and has been particularly dangerous among old people.
[55] Phthisis pulmonalis, 21; pneumonia, 20; bronchitis, 13, influenza, 2.
[56] Phthisis pulmonalis, 16; pneumonia, 10; bronchitis, 6.
[57] Phthisis pulmonalis, 38; bronchitis, 29; influenza, 11; pneumonia, 63; lung congestion, 9.
[58] Phthisis pulmonalis, 14; bronchitis, 12; pneumonia, 26; influenza, 2.
[59] Phthisis pulmonalis.
[60] Phthisis pulmonalis, 11; bronchitis, 2; influenza, 1; pneumonia, 16.
[61] Phthisis pulmonalis, 10; bronchitis, 2; pneumonia, 10; influenza, 6.
[62] Bronchitis, 17; pneumonia, 96; influenza and la grippe, 88.
[63] Phthisis pulmonalis, 39; capillary bronchitis, 20; pneumonia, 46.
[64] Phthisis pulmonalis, 23; pneumonia, 15; bronchitis, 11.
[65] Phthisis pulmonalis, 90; bronchitis, 40; pneumonia, 94.
[66] Phthisis pulmonalis, 80; bronchitis, 31; pneumonia, 90.
[67] Phthisis pulmonalis.
[68] “There are seventeen cases of la grippe at the navy yard here…The malady is spreading in this city.”
[69] Phthisis pulmonalis, 106; bronchitis, 53; pneumonia, 236.
[70] Phthisis pulmonalis, 65.
[71] Phthisis pulmonalis, 1765; acute respiratory diseases 3847. State report notes that epidemic influenza “has added not less than 4,000 to the mortality for the month.”
[72] Phthisis pulmonalis.
[73] A Jan 8 article noted Albany was experiencing an “influenza epidemic” and that “The deaths for the first week in January number 70. During the corresponding week last year the total deaths in this city numbered 33.” (New York Times. “Fatal Results of the Disease.” 1-9-1890, p. 1.)
[74] New York Times. “High and Low the Victims. Thousands Suffering from the Attacks of Influenza.” 1-7-1890, p.1.
[75] Acute lung diseases (influenza epidemic section of the report).
[76] Influenza section of report notes 106 pneumonia deaths and 29 from bronchitis.
[77] Pneumonia, 195 and bronchitis 57. We disregard the 68 deaths from phthisis reported in this influenza section.
[78] Pneumonia, 97; phthisis pulmonalis, 63; bronchitis, 24 (influenza epidemic section of the report).
[79] Pneumonia, 66; bronchitis, 14; phthisis pulmonalis, 55.
[80] Pneumonia, 47; bronchitis, 32; phthisis pulmonalis, 48.
[81] Pneumonia, 69; bronchitis, 19; phthisis pulmonalis, 55.
[82] Pneumonia, 51; bronchitis, 23; phthisis pulmonalis, 44.
[83] Pneumonia, 62; bronchitis, 26; phthisis pulmonalis, 47.
[84] NYT. “High and Low the Victims. Thousands Suffering…” 1-7-1890, p1.
[85] New York Times. “High and Low the Victims. Thousands Suffering From the Attacks of Influenza.” 1-7-1890, p1.
[86] New York Times. “High and Low the Victims. Thousands Suffering From the Attacks of Influenza.” 1-7-1890, p1.
[87] This article notes that eight policemen had died since the flu became epidemic. We have previously noted the names of three, thus we add here five others.
[88] Compilation of 50 from pneumonia, 16 from bronchitis, 10 from influenza complicated with other diseases.
[89] Compilation of 31 from pneumonia, 15 bronchitis, 1 influenza, 10 influenza complicated with other diseases.
[90] Pneumonia 67, bronchitis 11, influenza complicated with pneumonia and bronchitis, 18.
[91] These fatalities were for the 24-hour reporting period ending at noon on Jan 8. They consisted of 60 pneumonia deaths, 25 from bronchitis, 4 from influenza, and 15 from influenza complicated with other diseases.
[92] Specifically broken out are four deaths from influenza, sixty from pneumonia, and twenty-six from bronchitis out of 250 overall reported deaths. The 147 are reported as “due to influenza to some extent.”
[93] Twenty-four hour reporting period ending at noon on the 10th, reporting pneumonia, 56; bronchitis, 21; consumption, 30; influenza, 1; “influenza complicated with other diseases, principally pneumonia,” 18.
[94] Pneumonia, 56, bronchitis, 23, influenza, 1, influenza complicated with other diseases, 18—from total of 202.
[95] Article notes that “The disease prevails extensively through this region, but this is the first fatal case reported.”
[96] Pneumonia, 12; bronchitis, 3; phthisis pulmonalis, 24.
[97] Pneumonia.
[98] Pneumonia, 30; phthisis pulmonalis, 18.
[99] Pneumonia, 379; phthisis pulmonalis, 246; bronchitis, 105.
[100] Phthisis pulmonalis.
[101] Bronchitis, 10; pneumonia, 31; phthisis pulmonalis, 17.
[102] Bronchitis, 17; pneumonia, 35; phthisis pulmonalis, 23.
[103] Pneumonia, 25; bronchitis, 6; phthisis pulmonalis, 29.
[104] Pneumonia, 15; bronchitis, 9; phthisis pulmonalis, 16.
[105] Pneumonia, 18; bronchitis, 9; phthisis pulmonalis, 19.
[106] Pneumonia, 20; bronchitis, 16; phthisis pulmonalis, 17.
[107] Pneumonia, 18, bronchitis, 10; phthisis pulmonalis, 15.
[108] Pneumonia, 17; bronchitis, 9; phthisis pulmonalis, 16.
[109] Pneumonia and lung congestion, 16; bronchitis, 6; phthisis pulmonalis, 10.
[110] Pneumonia and lung congestion, 20; bronchitis, 9; phthisis pulmonalis, 12.
[111] Pneumonia and lung congestion, 38; bronchitis, 8; phthisis pulmonalis, 14.
[112] Pneumonia and lung congestion, 45; bronchitis, 7; phthisis pulmonalis, 8.
[113] Pneumonia and lung congestion, 23; bronchitis, 8; phthisis pulmonalis, 15.
[114] Pneumonia and lung congestion, 22; bronchitis, 6; phthisis pulmonalis, 7.
[115] Pneumonia, 22; phthisis pulmonalis, 15; bronchitis, 3.
[116] Notes, in addition to death of George W. Seaton, that there were “Over 100 cases…reported in Connellsville.”
[117] Also mentioned were 162 “deaths from pulmonary difficulties” the previous week.
[118] Influenza, 56; phthisis pulmonalis, 100 (from influenza epidemic section of the report).
[119] Influenza, 23, lung inflammation, 136; bronchitis, 14, phthisis pulmonalis, 88.
[120] Influenza, 17; lung inflammation, 82; bronchitis, 17; phthisis pulmonalis, 73.
[121] Influenza, 15; lung inflammation, 52; bronchitis, 15; phthisis pulmonalis, 56.
[122] Influenza, 6; lung inflammation, 35; bronchitis, 10; phthisis pulmonalis, 59.
[123] Influenza, 2; pneumonia, 44; bronchitis, 8; phthisis pulmonalis, 57.
[124] Influenza, 3; pneumonia, 38; bronchitis, 15; phthisis pulmonalis, 74.
[125] Influenza, 1; pneumonia, 35; bronchitis, 14; phthisis pulmonalis, 59.
[126] “It is estimated that there are now no less than 3,000 cases of influenza in Reading…”
[127] Influenza, 88; pneumonia, 138; bronchitis, 46; phthisis pulmonalis, 90.
[128] Influenza, 25; phthisis pulmonalis, 61.
[129] Influenza, 11; phthisis pulmonalis, 72.
[130] Influenza, 1, pneumonia, 3; phthisis pulmonalis, 1.
[131] “Inside of five hours yesterday [Jan 9], twenty-one deaths were reported here from grippe and pneumonia and seven deaths at near-by out-of-town places.”
[132] Pneumonia, 20; bronchitis, 7, influenza, 2; influenza with pneumonia or bronchitis, 111; with other causes, 2.
[133] Pneumonia, 10; bronchitis, 3; influenza, 2; influenza with pneumonia, 10; influenza and other diseases, 3.
[134] Influenza 2; pneumonia 3, bronchitis, 5; influenza with pneumonia, 7; influenza with other diseases, 3.
[135] Influenza, 2; pneumonia, 5, bronchitis, 1; influenza with pneumonia, 3; influenza with other complications, 1.
[136] We subtract 63 in that we have already noted that number from Chattanooga and Nashville for Jan. This tally is from six towns and includes 63 deaths from phthisis pulmonalis and 64 from acute lung diseases.
[137] Influenza, 1; pneumonia, 13; bronchitis, 5; phthisis pulmonalis, 9.
[138] Pneumonia, 13; bronchitis, 3; phthisis pulmonalis, 9.
[139] Influenza, 2; pneumonia, 16; bronchitis, 3; phthisis pulmonalis, 14.
[140] Acute diseases of the lungs.
[141] Phthisis pulmonalis, 19; bronchitis, 1; pneumonia, 14.
[142] Influenza, 1; pneumonia, 9; bronchitis, 4; phthisis pulmonalis, 61.
[143] Chicago Medical Recorder, p. 458.