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Spanish Influenza discovered in Salt Lake City
The exact number of case and those who had the disease were not disclosed at this time. However the State and City official met to decide what action would be taken to stop the disease before it could spread and minimalism the effects to the state. The source of the disease was traced back to a family from Evanston, Wyoming who attended the State Fair. -
Deaths and Spreading Outbreaks
Two deaths from the Spanish Flu are reported one from Fairview and one from Henderson. The worst effected place in the State of Utah is Coalville, where even the Mayor is suffering. Also 63 new cases are reported a cross the state. -
Film Industry Stops Public Showings
The National Association of Motion Pictures Industry decided not to release any new films from October 13 to November 9th to help stop the spread of Influenza through out the country.
This type of commitment shows concern for the people and country. Would this type of concern happen today? -
Spanish Influenza Spreads to Cedar City
Visitors to the State Fair and General LDS Conference were exposed and brought back Spanish Influenza to Cedar City. The local doctor considers the possibility of shutting down all public functions until the disease is under control. -
Utah State Board of Health Cancels All Indoor Gatherings
The Utah State Board of Health cancels all indoor gatherings including churches, Sunday schools, public schools, Universities, business colleges, ward meetings, picture shows, fraternal meetings, pool halls, dance halls, private dances and public assemblies of all kinds. They also ask every town in the state to close down any places of public gathering. -
Boy Scouts Deliver Pamplets
As a special hospital opens to accommodate patience who have the influenza, 20,000 pamphlets are distributed by the Boy Scouts throughout the Salt Lake area. The pamphlets are from the Surgeon General and it is desired that one should be placed in each home. Why would the used the Boy Scouts to distribute the pamphlets? -
No More Large Department Store Sales
Dr. T.B. Beatty from the state capital calls for no more large department store sales during the flu epidemic. A sale gathers large numbers of women hoping to save money which could pass on the flu to others. -
Gauze Masks to be Worn
The people in Brigham City decide to implement that the universal wear of gauze masks. This is to inhibit the spread of disease in their community. The masks were to become a regular part of everyday clothing for many people during this time. Do we see people wearing these mask today? Why? -
The Situation Grows Worse
More cases of the flu are reported each day. Business and industry have workers suddenly grow ill. They are unable to replace all of the people missing from work. Doctors are required to report all deaths to the State Board of Health at once. Unnecessary phone calls are discouraged. Why would they want deaths reported? Why would phone service be interrupted? -
Twenty Thousand are Down with the Flu in Utah
The Spanish Influenza has penetrated almost every area of the state. The flu takes 48 hours after contraction for symptoms to appear. Before symptoms appear a person can spread the disease to others. Delta has suffered 143 cases with 5 deaths. At this time the officials believe that the situation is improving. (I would like to find a census number for this time so they could compare it with the number of people that this would effect today, however I could not find that number at this time.) -
Health Officials Must Report Cases of the Flu
Those that have the flu or the physicians that are attending to them must report the cases to the City Board of Public Health or they could face prosecution with the penalty of six months of jail time and/or a $300 fine. Why would health officials take such measures to learn about flu cases? Why would people be hesitant to report cases? -
Special Day of Prayer and Fasting
The Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints calls for a day of prayer and fasting to overthrow Spanish Influenza. Local leaders were to instruct their members of this day as no church services were being held to help stop the spread of the disease. Do you think similar practices happened through out the world? Why or why not? -
Opening of Schools and Theaters
The schools in the Salt Lake Valley reopen on Monday December 30th 1918. They would run for longer periods and cancel some vacations to help make up the time that was lost to the closure for the flu. Movie theaters also reopened during this time. Would you be glad for the reopening of the school? Do you think all students returned at that time?
