1912 — Smallpox, 35 States/DC, esp. TX/128, Pittsburgh/33, CA/16-19, VA/19 –301-307
–302-307 Blanchard tally based on State breakouts as reported in monthly PHS reports.[1]
— 301 Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…[US]…1913. 1914, p.244.
Summary Breakout of Mortality by State: (302-307)
Alabama 1
Arizona 15
California 16-19
Florida 2
Illinois 12
Indiana 12
Iowa 2
Kansas 4
Maine 4
Massachusetts 1
Michigan 3
Minnesota 4
Mississippi 2
New Jersey 2
New York 4
Ohio 2
Oklahoma 15
Oregon 3
Pennsylvania 37
South Dakota 1
Texas 126-128
Utah 6
Virginia 19
Washington 1
Wisconsin 3
Wyoming 5
Breakout of Fatalities by State
Alabama ( 1) 27 cases in Oct. PHS. “Smallpox – State Reports for Oct., 1912.” P. 2048.
–1 Chilton County, Nov. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, 1276.
Arizona ( 15)
–15 Counties not identified; for year. PHS. “Smallpox cases…” 1913 Annual Report, p. 245.
–1 Pima Co., Feb. PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PH] Reports, V27, 7-26-1912, 1199.
California (16-19)[2]
–1 Alameda County. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, p. 1276.
–2 Los Angeles County, Jan-Feb. US PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PH] Reports, p. 1198.
–7 Los Angeles, July 28-Aug 17. US PHS. “Virulent Smallpox.” [PH] Reports, V27, p. 1411.
— 3 Los Angeles, week ending Aug 3. US PHS. “Smallpox…” [PH] Reports, V27, 1385.
— 3 Los Angeles, week ending Aug 10. US PHS. “Smallpox…” [PH] Rpts., V27, 1441.
— 1 Los Angeles, Aug 11-17. US PHS. “City Reports.” [PH Rpts.], V27, 9-6-1912, 1493.
–1 Los Angeles, Aug 25-31, US PHS. “City Reports.” [PH Rpts.], V27, 9-20-1912, 1574.
–4 Los Angeles, Aug 31-Sep 6. US PHS. “State Reports.” [PH Rpts.], V27, 9-6-1912, 1493.
–2 Pasadena, week ending Aug 3. US PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PH] Reports, V27, 1385.
–1 San Bernardino Co., Apr. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1989.
–1 San Francisco, Nov 10-16, PHS. “Smallpox-State Reports for October…” p. 2049.
Colorado ( 0) 139 cases, Apr-June. PHS. “Smallpox…” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, 1998.
Connecticut ( 0) 247 cases, Apr-June. PHS. “Smallpox…[US],” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, 1988
District of Col. (0) 1 case, Apr-Jun. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1989.
Florida ( 2)
–2 Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…[US]…1913. 1914, p. 245.
–1 Duval County, Apr. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1989.
–1 Volusia County, May. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1989.
Hawaii (ter.) ( 0) Six cases, July-Sep.[3]
Illinois (12)
–12 Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…[US]…1913. 1914, p. 245.
— 1 Chicago, week ending July 13. US PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PHR], 8-2-1912, p.1245.
Indiana (12)
–12 Year. Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…[US]…1913. 1914, p244.
— 5 Jan-Mar. US PHS. “Smallpox in…[US].” Public Health Reports, V27, 7-26-1912, p. 1198.
–1 Bartholomew County, Feb. US PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PH] Reports, p. 1199.
–4 St. Joseph Co. US PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PH] Reports, p. 1198.
— 5 Apr-Jun. PHS. “Smallpox in the [U.S.].” Public Health Rpts., V27, 11-29-1912, 1988.[4]
–1 April, Bartholomew Co. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1990.
–1 June, Grant County. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1990.
–3 June, St. Joseph Co. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1991.
— 1 Oct, Greene County. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1999.
— 1 Dec, Vanderburgh Co. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, p.1277.
Iowa ( 2)
–2 Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…[US]…1913. 1914, p. 244.
–1 Pottawattamie Co., June. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1991.
–1 Scott Co., Nov. PHS. Smallpox…State Reports…Nov., 1912.” V27, 12-27-1912, 2211
Kansas ( 4)
–4 Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…[US]…1913. 1914, p. 245.
–2 Jul-Sep. Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…1913. 1914, 245
–1 Geary Co., Nov. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, p.1278.
–1 Shawnee Co. Jan. US PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PH] Reports, p. 1202.
Louisiana ( 0) New Orleans reported a case the week ending Nov. 30.[5]
Maine ( 4)
–4 Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…[US]…1913. 1914, p. 245.
–3 Androscoggin Co., Apr. PHS. “Smallpox…” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, 1992.
–1 York Co., Dec. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, p. 1278.
Maryland ( 0)
[11 cases in Allegany CO., Nov.] PHS. “Smallpox. State Reports.” PHR, V27, 12-13-1912, 2108
[7 cases in Allegany and 2 in Garrett counties in Dec.][6]
Massachusetts (1)
–1 Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…[US]…1913. 1914, p. 245.
–1 Lancaster, Worcester Co., Oct. PHS. “Smallpox-State Reports for October…” p2048.
Michigan ( 3)
— 3 Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…[US]…1913. 1914, p. 245.
133 cases, Apr-Jun. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, 1988.
26 cases, Oct; 137 in Nov, 87 in Dec; total of 250, esp. Ingham and Wayne counties.[7]
Minnesota ( 4)
–4 Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…[US]…1913. 1914, p. 245.
–2 Ramsey County, Feb-Mar. US PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” [PH] Reports, 1203.[8]
–1 Jan-Mar, county not noted. Surgeon General Annual Report for 1913, p. 245.
–1 Oct-Dec, county not noted. Surgeon General Annual Report for 1913, p. 245.
Mississippi ( 2)
–2 Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…[US]…1913. 1914, p. 245.[9]
–1 Lauderdale Co., March. US PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PH] Reports, p. 1203.
–1 Yalobusha County, March. US PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PH] Reports, p. 1204.
Montana ( 0) 59 cases, Apr-Jun. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p.1988.
69 cases, Oct-Dec. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, 1280.
264 cases for year. 1913 Surgeon General Report, p. 245.
New Jersey ( 2)
–2 Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…[US]…1913. 1914, p. 245.
–1 Essex County, April. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1993.
–1 Warren Co., June. PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PHR], V27, 8-16-1912, p. 1342.
New York ( 4)
–4 Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…[US]…1913. 1914, p. 245.
–1 Hancock, Delaware County, Nov.[10]
–1 NYC, Jan. PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” Public Health Reports, V27, p. 1204.
–1 County not noted, Jan-March. 1913 Surgeon General Annual Report, p. 245.
–1 County not noted, Oct-Dec. 1913 Surgeon General Annual Report, p. 245.
North Carolina (0) 311 cases, Apr-Jun. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, 1988.
57 cases, Oct-Dec. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, 1280.
1,374 cases, year. 1913 Surgeon General Annual Report, p. 245.
North Dakota ( 0) 68 cases, Apr-Jun. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, 1988.
111 cases, Oct-Dec. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, 1281.
326 cases, year. 1913 Surgeon General Annual Report, p. 245.
Ohio ( 2)
–1 Year. Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…[US]…1913. 1914, p. 245.
–1 Tuscarawas County, March. US PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PH] Reports, p. 1205.
–1 Cleveland, Nov 3-9. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 2000.
Oklahoma (15)
–15 Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…[US]…1913. 1914, p. 245.
Oregon ( 3)
–3 Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…[US]…1913. 1914, p. 245.
–1 Baker County, Feb. US PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PH] Reports, p. 1206.
–1 Multnomah Co., Dec. PHS. “Smallpox…State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, p. 1281.
–1 County not noted, Jan-March. 1913 Surgeon General Annual Report, p. 245.
Pennsylvania (37)
–37 Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…[US]…1913. 1914, p. 244.
— 2 State, Jan-Feb. US PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PH] Reports, V27, p. 1206.[11]
–1 Philadelphia, Jan-Feb. US PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PH] Reports, V27, p. 1210.
— 1 State, July. US PHS. “Reports Received During Week Ended Oct. 4, 1912.” V27, 1638
— 1 Pittsburgh, Aug 4-10. US PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PH] Reports, p. 1441.
— 1 Pittsburgh, Aug 18-24. US PHS. “Virulent Smallpox…” [PH Rpts.], V27, 9-20-1912, 1554.
— 8 Pittsburgh, Aug 25-31. US PHS. “Virulent Smallpox…” [PH Rpts.], V27, 9-20-1912, 1554.
— 4 Pittsburgh, Sep 1-7. US PHS. “Virulent Smallpox…” [PH Rpts.], V27, 9-20-1912, 1554.
— 3 Pittsburgh, Sep 8-14. US PHS. “Virulent Smallpox…” [PH Rpts.], V27, 10-4-1912, 1625.
— 7 Pittsburgh, Sep 15-21, US PHS. “Virulent Smallpox…” [PH Rpts.], V27, 10-4-1912, 1625.
— 5 Pittsburgh, Sep 22-28, PHS. “Smallpox in the [U.S.].” [PH Rpts.], V27, 10-18-1912, 1710.
— 1 Pittsburgh, Oct 6-12. PHS. “Smallpox in the [U.S.].” [PH Rpts.], V27, 11-1-1912, 1790.
— 3 Pittsburgh, Oct 13-19. PHS. “Smallpox in…[U.S.].” [PH Rpts.], V27, 11-8-1912, p. 1830.
— 1 County not noted, Dec. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, p1282.
South Dakota ( 1)
–1 County not noted, Jan-March. 1913 Surgeon General Annual Report, p. 245.
138 cases, Jan-March. 1913 Surgeon General Annual Report, p. 245.
119 cases, Apr-June. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1995.
28 cases, July-Sep. 1913 Surgeon General Annual Report, p. 245.
90 cases, Oct-Dec. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, 1282.
Texas (126-128)[12]
–126 Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…[US]…1913. 1914, p. 244.
— 56 Jan-Mar. US PHS. “Smallpox in the United States.” [PHR], V27, 7-26-1912, p.1198.
— 1 Brazoria County, March. US PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PH] Reports, p. 1206.
— 1 Coleman County, March. US PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PH] Reports, p. 1206.
— 1 Goliad County, March. US PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PH] Reports, p. 1206.
— 4 McCulloch Co., March. US PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PH] Reports, p. 1198.
— 1 Reeves County, Jan. US PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PH] Reports, p. 1206.
— 3 San Patricio County, Jan. US PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PH] Reports, p. 1198.
–43 Tarrant Co., Jan-Mar. US PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PH] Reports, p. 1198.
— 2 Uvalde Co., Feb. US PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PH] Reports, p. 1198.
–22 April. US PHS. “Smallpox in the United States.” [PHR], V27, 8-2-1912, p. 1245.
–14 Tarrant County. US PHS. “Smallpox in the United States.” [PHR], 8-2-1912, 1245.
— 8 Not noted. US PHS. “Smallpox in the United States.” [PHR], 8-2-1912, 1245.
— 4 May (Dallas 1, Tarrant Co. 2, Valverde 1). US PHS. “Smallpox…” [PHR], 8-2-1912, 1442
— 6 June, Counties not noted, but in addition to those identified herein by county.[13]
— 1 June, Valverde Co. US PHS. “Smallpox…” Public Health Rpts., V27, 8-30-1912, p. 1442.
— 1 July 7-13. El Paso Co., El Paso, US PHS. [PHR], Vol. 27, p. 1245.
— 4 Aug, Dallas. US PHS. “Reports Received During Week Ended Oct. 4, 1912.” V27, 1638.
— 2 Aug, Hood. US PHS. “Reports Received During Week Ended Oct. 4, 1912.” V27, 1638.
— 5 Sep. US PHS. “Smallpox in the United States.” Public Health Rpts., V27, 11-8-1912, 1830.
— 2 Nov, Dallas Co. PHS. “Smallpox…State Reports for Nov., 1912.” V27, 12-27-1912, 2211.
— 2 Nov, Denton Co. PHS. “Smallpox…State Reports for Nov., 1912.” PHR, V27, 12-27-1912, 2212.
— 1 Nov 17-23, El Paso, TX. PHS. Smallpox…City Reports.” PHR, 12-13-1912, p. 2109.
— 2 Nov, Hunt Co. PHS. “Smallpox…State Reports for Nov., 1912.” PHR, V27, 12-27-1912, 2212.
— 1 Dec, Dallas Co., Dec. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, p1282.
–18 Dec, Hunt County. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, p. 1282.
— 1 Dec, Wichita Co. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, p. 1282.
Utah ( 6)
–6 Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…[US]…1913. 1914, p. 245.
–2 State, May. US PHS. “Statistical Reports… [PH] Reports, V27, 7-26-1912, p. 1212.
–1 Salt Lake County. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1996.
–1 Weber County. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1996.
–1 Utah Co., June. US PHS. “Smallpox…United States.” PHR, V27, 8-2-1912, 1245.
–1 Wasatch Co., June. US PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 8-2-1912, 1245.
–1 Carbon Co., Aug. PHS. “Reports Received…Week Ended Oct. 11, 1912.” V27, 1673.
–1 Summit Co. Sep. PHS. “Smallpox…[U.S.].” [PH Rpts.], V27, 11-1-1912, p. 1790.
Vermont ( 0)
83 cases, Jan-March. 1913 Surgeon General Annual Report, p. 245.
41 cases, April-June. PHS. “Smallpox…[US],” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, 1988.
20 cases, July-Sep. 1913 Surgeon General Annual Report, p. 245.
110 cases, Oct-Dec. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, 1282.
254 cases total for the year. 1913 Surgeon General Annual Report, p. 245.
Virginia (19)
–19 Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…[US]…1913. 1914, p. 245.
–16 Counties not noted, Jan-March. 1913 Surgeon General Annual Report, p. 245.
— 3 Counties not noted, April-June. 1913 Surgeon General Annual Report, p. 245.
–1 Henrico Co., May. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p.1996.
Washington ( 1) 274 cases, Apr-Jun. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, 1988.
–1 Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…[US]…1913. 1914, p. 245.
–1 Pierce Co., Dec. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, 1283.[14]
Wisconsin ( 3)
–3 Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…[US]…1913. 1914, p. 245.
–1 Marathon Co., Jan. US PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PH] Reports, p. 1208.
–1 Dane County, Sep. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 2000.
–1 County not noted, April-June. 1913 Surgeon General Annual Report, p. 245.
Wyoming ( 5)
–5 Annual Report…Surgeon General…Public Health Service…[US]…1913. 1914, p. 245.
–4 Counties not noted, Jan-March. 1913 Surgeon General Annual Report, p. 245.
–1 Natrona Co., May. PHS. “Smallpox…” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, 1996.
Mortality by Month: (223)[15]
Jan-March (81)
— 81 US. US PHS. “Smallpox in the United States.” [PHR], V27, 7-26-1912, p. 1198.[16]
April (29)
— 1 CA, San Bernardino Co. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1988.
— 1 FL, Duval County, Apr. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1989.
— 1 IN, Bartholomew Co. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1990.
— 3 ME, Androscoggin County, Apr. PHS. “Smallpox…” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1992.
— 1 NJ, Essex County, April. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1993.
–22 TX. US PHS. “Smallpox in the United States.” [PHR], V27, 8-2-1912, p. 1245.
May ( 8)
— 1 FL, Volusia County, May. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1989.
— 4 TX, May (Dallas 1, Tarrant Co. 2, Valverde 1). US PHS. [PHR], V27, 8-2-1912, p. 1442.
— 2 UT, May. US PHS. “Statistical Reports…” Public Health Reports, V27, 7-26-1912, p.1212.
— 1 WY, Natrona Co., May. PHS. “Smallpox…” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1996.
June (16)
–1 IN, Grant County. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1990.
–3 IN. St. Joseph Co. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1991.
–1 IA, Pottawattamie Co. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1991.
–1 NJ. US PHS. “Smallpox in the United States.” [Public Health Rpts.], V27, 8-16-1912, 1342.
–6 TX. Counties not identified [Valverde is noted for a 7th death.][17]
–1 TX, Valverde. US PHS. “Smallpox in…[U.S.]” Public Health Rpts., V27, 8-30-1912, p1442.
–1 VA, Henrico Co., May. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p.1996.
–2 UT, US PHS. “Smallpox in the United States.” Public Health Reports, V27, 8-2-1912, 1245.
July ( 5)
–2 CA, Pasadena, latter July US PHS. “Smallpox in the [U.S.].” [PHR], 8-2-1912, p. 1411.
–1 IL, Chicago, week ending July 13. US PHS. “Smallpox in…[U.S.].” [PHR], 8-2-1912, 1245.
–1 PA, July. USPHS. “Reports Received During Week Ended Oct. 4, 1912.” V27, p. 1638.
–1 TX, El Paso Co., El Paso, July 7-13. US PHS. Public Health Reports, Vol. 27, p. 1245.
August (24)
–7 CA, Los Angeles, Aug 1-17. US PHS. “Smallpox in the United States.” [PHR], V27, p.1411.
–1 PA, Pittsburgh, Aug 4-10. US PHS. “Smallpox in the United States.” [PH Rpts.], V27, 1441.
–1 PA, Pittsburgh, Aug 18-24. US PHS. “Virulent Smallpox…” [PHR], V27, 9-20-1912, 1554.
–8 PA, Pittsburgh, Aug 25-31. US PHS. “Virulent Smallpox…” [PHR], V27, 9-20-1912, 1554.
–4 TX, Dallas. US PHS. “Reports Received During Week Ended Oct. 4, 1912.” V27, p. 1638.
–2 TX, Hood. US PHS. “Reports Received During Week Ended Oct. 4, 1912.” V27, p. 1638.
–1 UT, Carbon Co. PHS. “Reports Received During Week Ended Oct. 11, 1912.” V27, p. 1673.
September (30)
–4 CA, Los Angeles Aug 31-Sep 6. US PHS. “State Reports.” [PH Rpts.], V27, 9-6-1912, p. 1493.
–4 PA, Pittsburgh, Sep 1-7. US PHS. “Virulent Smallpox…” [PH Rpts.], V27, 9-20-1912, 1554.
–3 PA, Pittsburgh, Sep 8-14. PHS. “Virulent Smallpox…” [PH Rpts.], V27, 10-4-1912, p. 1625.
–7 PA, Pittsburgh Sep 15-21, PHS. “Virulent Smallpox…” [PH Rpts.], V27, 10-4-1912, 1625.
–5 PA, Pittsburgh, Sep 22-28, PHS. “Smallpox in…[US].” [PH Rpts.], V27, 10-18-1912, 1710.
–5 TX, Dallas Co., Sep. PHS. “Smallpox in the [U.S.].” [PH Rpts.], V27, 11-1-1912, p. 1790.
–1 UT, Summit County. PHS. “Smallpox in the [US].” [PH Rpts.], V27, 11-1-1912, p. 1790.
–1 WI, Dane County, Sep. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 2000.
October ( 6)
–1 IN, Greene County. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” Public Health Rpts., V27, 11-29-1912, p1999.
–1 MA, Worcester County, Lancaster. PHS. “Smallpox-State Reports for October…” p. 2048.
–1 PA, Pittsburgh, Oct 6-12. PHS. “Smallpox in…[U.S.].” [PH Rpts.], V27, 11-1-1912, p.1790.
–3 PA, Pittsburgh, Oct 13-19. PHS. “Smallpox in…[US].” [PH Rpts.], V27, 11-8-1912, p.1830.
November (13)
–1 AL, Chilton Co., Nov. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, 1276.
–1 CA, San Francisco, Nov 10-16. PHS. “Smallpox-State Reports for October…” p. 2049.
–1 IA, Scott Co., PHS. Smallpox…State Reports for November, 1912.” V27, 12-27-1912, 2211.
–1 KS, Geary Co., Nov. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, p. 1278.
–1 NY, Hancock, Delaware County, Nov.[18]
–1 OH, Cleveland, Nov 3-9. PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 2000.
–2 TX, Dallas Co. PHS. “Smallpox…State Reports for Nov., 1912.” PHR, V27, 12-27-1912, 2212.
–2 TX, Denton Co. PHS. “Smallpox…State Reports for Nov., 1912.” PHR, V27, 12-27-1912, 2212.
–1 TX, El Paso, Nov 17-23. PHS. “Smallpox…City Reports.” PHR, 12-13-1912, p. 2109.
–2 TX, Hunt Co. PHS. “Smallpox…State Reports for Nov., 1912.” PHR, V27, 12-27-1912, 2212.
December (26)
— 1 CA, Alameda County. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, p. 1276.
— 1 IN, Vanderburgh Co. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, p. 1277.
— 1 ME, York Co., Dec. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, p. 1278.
— 1 OR, Multnomah Co. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, 1281.
— 1 PA, Dec. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, p. 1282.
— 1 TX, Dallas Co., Dec. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, p. 1282.
–18 TX, Hunt Co., Dec. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, p. 1282.
— 1 TX, Wichita County. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, p. 1282.
— 1 WA, Pierce County. PHS. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” PHR, V28, 6-20-1913, p. 1283.
Narrative Information
US PHS: “Information regarding the reported prevalence of smallpox during the first quarter of the current calendar year is available for the District of Columbia and the 31 States enumerated in the tables which follow. No case was reported in either the District of Columbia or in Maryland….
“During the first three months of the year 1912 there were reported in the 31 States 8,850 cases of smallpox with 81 deaths. More than half of the deaths occurred in Texas, where out of 347 reported cases 56 terminated fatally. Of these cases, 175, with 43 deaths, occurred in Tarrant County, in which is located the city of Fort Worth. The Tarrant County cases constituted an outbreak of virulent smallpox. Other virulent outbreaks occurred in Texas in McCulloch County, where 10 cases with 4 deaths were reported during March; in San Patricio County, where 7 cases with 3 deaths were reported during January; and in Uvalde County where during February 4 cases with 2 deaths occurred.
“The next greatest number of deaths occurred in Indiana, where there were 484 cases with 5 deaths. Of these 5 deaths, 4 occurred among 11 cases in St. Joseph County, indicating that the infection there was of the virulent type. Two deaths were reported in California. Both of these were in Los Angeles County, where, during the last two months of 1911, there had been a virulent outbreak. These two deaths, which occurred in January and February, may have been due, therefore, to infection with the virulent strain of the disease.
“The disease was more prevalent in the New England States than usual, although by no means as prevalent there as in some other sections of the country. In the 4 New England States for which the information was available, namely, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont, there were in all 400 cases reported. None was fatal. Of these 400 cases, 219 were in Maine, 83 in Vermont, 69 in Connecticut, and 29 in Massachusetts.
“With he exception of the isolated outbreaks of virulent smallpox in Texas and Indiana the disease was of eh same mild type that has been so generally prevalent throughout the United States during the last 14 years. In Utah there were 958 cases without a death. Other States also had a considerable number of cases without any recorded deaths. Florida had 576 cases without a reported death, Illinois 451 cases, Maine 219, Michigan 452, North Carolina 859, Virginia 274, Washington 507.
“Smallpox was also present in the States not enumerated in the table, but information regarding the number of cases occurring has not been available.” (p. 1198) ….
“Virulent Smallpox. For a number of years smallpox of a mild form has been widely prevalent throughout the United States. From time to time the virulent type of the disease has appeared in certain localities. During the past few weeks this virulent type of the disease has been present in the city of Los Angeles, Cal., and in the neighboring city of Pasadena. In Los Angeles from July 28 to August 17, 19 cases of smallpox were reported, with 7 deaths. In the neighboring city of Pasadena, during the latter part of July, there were 3 cases, with 2 deaths. Of the 7 deaths in Los Angeles, all occurred in persons who had never been vaccinated, with the exception of one case, which was in a person who had been vaccinated 30 years before the attack.
“During the past few months virulent smallpox was also present in certain localities in Texas, the most pronounced outbreak being in Tarrant County….” (p. 1411)
“In one family in Los Angeles the father and three children, none of whom had ever been vaccinated, were attacked. Three of these cases ended fatally. The mother, who was the only member of the family who did not contract the disease….” (p. 1441)
Outbreak at Carbondale, PA.
“There has been an outbreak of smallpox at Carbondale, PA. The health officer, Dr. F. W. Lewis, reported 44 cases between August 10 and September 7. During the week ended August 17 there were 10 reported cases, 22 the next week, 10 the next, and 2 during the week ended September 7.
Virulent Smallpox in Pittsburgh, PA.
“Dr. E. R. Walters, director of health, reports that during the week ended August 10 there occurred in the city of Pittsburgh 1 case of and 1 death due to smallpox; during the week ended August 24, 40 cases and 1 death; during the next week, 3 cases and 8 deaths, and during the week ended September 7, 9 cases and 4 deaths….” (p. 1554.)
Smallpox in the United States
“In this issue[19] will be found a detailed statement of the prevalence of smallpox in 31 States and the District of Columbia during the second quarter of the current calendar year. In these States there was a total of 5,735 cases, withy 53 deaths, reported during the three months, April, May, and June. Thirty-three of the deaths occurred in Texas, leaving 20 distributed among the other 30 States. In Texas there were outbreaks of the virulent form of smallpox, which accounts for the relatively large number of deaths in that State. In St. Joseph County, Ind., there appears also to have been a small outbreak of the severe type of the disease. Elsewhere the smallpox was of the benign type that has been generally prevalent throughout the country for a number of years. In the 31 States, exclusive of Texas, the average fatality rate was 1 death in 280 case.
“The presence of smallpox during the period under consideration was not limed to the 31 States referred to. The disease was also present in the other States, but there is no means of ascertaining the number of cases that occurred….” (p. 1960)
“During the second three months of the year 1912 there were reported in the 31 States 5,734 cases of smallpox, with 53 deaths. More than half of the deaths occurred in Texas, where out of 118 reported cases 33 terminated fatally. Of these cases, 33, with 16 deaths, occurred in Tarrant County, in which is located the city of Forth Worth.
“The next greatest number of deaths occurred in Indiana, where there were 304 cases, with 5 deaths. Of these 5 deaths, 3 occurred among 11 cases in St. Joseph County, indicating that the infection there was of the virulent type. Four deaths were reported in Utah.
“The disease was more prevalent in the New England States than usual, although by no means as prevalent there as in some other sections of the country. In the four New England States for which the information was available, namely Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont, there were in all 640 cases reported. Three of the cases in Maine terminated fatally. Of these 640 cases, 215 were in Maine, 41 in Vermont, 247 in Connecticut, and 137 in Massachusetts.
(p. 1988)
PHS: “….During the fourth quarter of the year, 5,422 cases of smallpox with 43 deaths, were reported in the District of Columbia and the 32 States reporting.” (US PHS. “Smallpox in the United States. Prevalence During October, November, and December, 1912.” Public Health Reports, Vol. XXVIII [28], No. 25, 6-20-1913, pp. 1265-1266.)
PHS: “….During the calendar year 1912, reports were received from 33 States, the District of Columbia, and Hawaii, giving a total of 23,204 cases and 301 deaths. The largest numbers of cases were reported from Utah, Minnesota, Washington, North Carolina, Indiana, and Illinois, which had 2,700, 2,320, 1,447, 1,374, 1,182, and 1,204 cases respectively, notified. The smallest numbers of cases reported in the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and Maryland, in which 9, 10, and 20 cases, respectively, were notified. The largest number of deaths occurred in Texas, where, although there were only 717 cases notified, there were 126 registered deaths. The next highest number of deaths occurred in Pennsylvania, where, out of 496 notified cases, there were 37 deaths. California had 16 deaths out of 819 reported cases, and Indiana 12 deaths out of 1,182 reported cases. No deaths from the disease were reported in Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Montana, North Dakota, and Vermont.” (Annual Report of the Surgeon General…Public Health Service…United States for the Fiscal Year 1913. GPO, 1914, p. 244.)
Arizona
Director, AZ DHS: “Smallpox broke out in southeast Arizona almost exactly 100 years ago last week[20] (co-incident with the Statehood activities). The first cases were in Tucson and Douglas with a few dozen cases and several deaths… and there were a few additional cases in Nogales and Globe. Of course, all the cases were among folks that hadn’t been vaccinated. The public health interventions of the time were much like what we would do today – case contact follow up with targeted vaccinations of folks that had contact with cases.
“For example, Dr. Chenoweth (Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Health) implemented an aggressive targeted vaccination effort following the Nogales case. From the 1912 records, we know that Dr. Chenoweth immediately began a “house-to-house vaccination campaign, vaccinating every person within a radius of six or seven miles of the case under quarantine, except one person who secreted herself and escaped vaccination, but developed smallpox instead.” These two cases were the only ones reported from Santa Cruz County.
“As the outbreak progressed in the following months, the State Board of Health weighed in on the public health response that had been undertaken in the various counties. The 1912 State Board of Health minutes stated that: “In our opinion this (contact and ring vaccination campaigns) is not sufficient, as there is no one to keep check on the patient or guardian to see that vaccination is done. Our public health law should be amended to read: In addition to the above stated section, no principal, teacher or superintendent shall permit any person to attend school, unless they have been vaccinated. A large per cent of the children of Arizona have not been vaccinated and will not as long as they are allowed to attend school without first having been vaccinated.
“So, the February 1912 Smallpox outbreak in SE AZ was that spark that triggered the debate about whether and how to require vaccination as a prerequisite for attending school….” (Humble, Will, Director, AZ DHS. “AZ Smallpox Outbreak.” 2-6-2012.)
Sources
Humble, Will, Director, Arizona Department of Health Services. “AZ Smallpox Outbreak.” 2-6-2012. Accessed 2-4-2015 at: http://directorsblog.health.azdhs.gov/az-smallpox-outbreak/
United States Public Health Service. Annual Report of the Surgeon General of the Public Health Service of the United States for the Fiscal Year 1913. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1914. Accessed 2-4-2015 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=xPIhAQAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
United States Public Health Service. Public Health Reports, Vol. 27, Part II, Numbers 27-52, July-December, 1912. Google digitized. Accessed 1-28-2015 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=eUsyAQAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
United States Public Health Service. “Smallpox. Compiled State Reports for the Fourth Quarter of 1912. Smallpox-Summary of Cases and Deaths Reported During October, November, and December, 1912, by States and by Months.” Public Health Reports, Vol. 28, 6-20-1913, pp. 1275-1284. Accessed 2-4-2015 at: http://www.jstor.org/stable/4569617?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
United States Public Health Service. “Smallpox in the United States. Prevalence During October, November, and December, 1912.” Public Health Reports, Vol. XXVIII [28], No. 25, 6-20-1913, pp. 1265-1266. Accessed 2-3-2015 at: http://www.jstor.org/stable/4569615?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
[1] Our tally differs from 1913 Surg. General report in that (1) we show 19 CA deaths based on PHS weekly reports whereas Surgeon General shows 16, (2) we show 2 OH deaths based on PHS weekly reports whereas Surgeon Gen. shows 1, and (3) we tally 128 TX deaths, based on PHS weekly reports, whereas Surgeon General shows 126
[2] Out tally, based on monthly PHS reports, comes to 19 deaths. However, the Annual Report of the U.S. Surgeon General for fiscal year 1913, notes 16 deaths, at page 244.
[3] Annual Report… Surgeon General…Public Health Service…United States…1913. GPO, 1914, p. 245.
[4] Three deaths occurred amongst 11 cases in St. Joseph County.
[5] Public Health Service. “Smallpox…City Reports.” Public Health Reports, Vol. 27, 12-20-1912, p. 2159.
[6] Public Health Service. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” Public Health Reports, Vol. 28, 6-20-1913, p. 1279.
[7] Public Health Service. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” Public Health Reports, Vol. 28, 6-20-1913, p. 1279.
[8] There were many cases throughout year. For example, 53 in Oct, 262 in Nov, and 388 in Dec (total of 703 for three months). Public Health Service. “Smallpox. Compiled State…” Public Health Reports, V28, 6-20-1913, 1279.
[9] Notes, though, that a report was received for the first quarter only (Jan-March).
[10] Public Health Ser. “Smallpox…State Reports…Nov, 1912.” Public Health Reports, V27, 12-27-1912, 2212.
[11] One in Philadelphia. Does not indicate location of the other death.
[12] Our tabulations, based on PHS reports, come to 128 reported deaths. However, the Annual Report of the Surgeon General of the U.S. for fiscal year 1913, notes “126 registered deaths.”
[13] PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1996.
[14] There were 481 cases Oct-Dec; 154 in Oct, 128 in Nov, and 199 in Dec.
[15] These are primarily the cases from weekly PHS reports wherein we could identify a place and month.
[16] Out of 8,850 cases. (Vol. 27, 11-29-2012, p. 1988).
[17] PHS. “Smallpox…[US].” PHR, V27, 11-29-1912, p. 1996.
[18] Public Health Ser. Smallpox…State Reports for Nov., 1912.” Public Health Reports, V27, 12-27-1912, 2212.
[19] 11-29-1912.
[20] Written Feb 6, 2012.