1938 — Encephalitis, MA (38 cases and 25 deaths) — 25

–25 UP. “Former Outbreaks of Encephalitis in Nation Listed.” Brownwood Bulletin, TX. 9-7-1954, 3.

Narrative Information

Sep 7, UP: “Washington, Sept. 7 – UP – The Public Health Department said Tuesday six areas have had major outbreaks of encephalitis since it first was identified in 1944. It is more commonly known as sleeping sickness….

“St. Louis had 1,100 cases of encephalitis in 1933 with a 20 percent mortality. Massachusetts had 38 cases in 1938 with 25 deaths. In 1941, North Dakota, Minnesota and Saskatchewan and Manitoba in Canada had a total of about 2,900 cases and 359 deaths. In the same year Arizona had a8 cases. North Dakota had another outbreak in 1949 with 120 cases. The Yakima Valley in Washington had outbreaks from 1939 through 1942, with cases ranging from 28 to 58. California had major outbreaks in 1940 with 250 cases, and in 1945 there were 320 cases, in 1950, 357 cases, and in 1952, 753 cases.

“The department said there are three types of the disease, called St. Louis, Eastern Equine, and Western Equine. The only major outbreak of the eastern type was in Massachusetts.

“The department said there was some indication that the current Texas outbreak may be the Eastern type, but health officials are not sure yet.” (United Press. “Former Outbreaks of Encephalitis in Nation Listed.” Brownwood Bulletin, TX. 9-7-1954, p.3.)

Sources

United Press. “Former Outbreaks of Encephalitis in Nation Listed.” Brownwood Bulletin, TX. 9-7-1954, p.3. Accessed 5-9-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/brownwood-bulletin-sep-07-1954-p-3/