Dayton Daily News, October 4, 1918
WOMEN RALLY TO HOSPITAL CALL
In order that the emergencies brought by the prevalence of Spanish Influenza at McCook and Wright fields may be met, women of Dayton are urged to rally to the urgent call of the hospital supplies department, Red Cross, for volunteers to make dressings and other supplies needed at the hospitals.
The Red Cross has been called upon to furnish a large supply of hospital equipment immediately. The help of every woman in the city who can donate her time and efforts to this patriotic service during the next few days will be necessary. The work rooms will be open at 8 o’clock, and volunteers are asked to report as near that time as possible.
THIRD EMPLOYEE OF MAXWELL MOTOR CO. DIES OF INFLUENZA
Walter Nuterbaugh Yields to Death after Illness of Only One Week
The third employee of the Maxwell Motor Car company to die of Spanish influenza in three days is Walter Nuterbaugh, 30, who passed away at the Miami Valley hospital Friday morning. He had been ill since Thursday a week ago.
Other employees who passed away this week were: P. Byriel, the purchasing agent, and J. H. Cooper, the assistant superintendent.
Walter Nuterbaugh had been employed by the company for a number of years, having begun his work at Detroit. But he was in Dayton only one year, holding the position of factory auditor. He leaves his wife and one child, who live in the Seminole apartments.
The body will be taken to Moreland, Ind., where funeral services will be held Sunday. It can be viewed at the Seminole apartments in Dayton View up until the time it is taken to Indiana.
INFLUENZA CASES TAX POST HOSPITAL
Reports from the hospital at Wilbur Wright field are to the effect that there are 250 men stationed at the post now confined and suffering from attacks of influenza. The hospitals are taxed to their capacity to handle the cases, and other buildings near the hospital are being used as wards during the epidemic.
Dayton Daily News, October 5, 1918
DIVISION OF SANITATION, NAVY DEPARTMENT ISSUES SOME INSTRUCTIONS AS TO HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY FIGHT “INFLUENZA”
The following is issued by the Division of Sanitation, Navy Department. A copy of this has been given to each employee of the Domestic Engineering company and Superintendent of Instruction Frank W. Miller, is also in possession of a pamphlet of this kind. It should be studied by every person in Dayton by reason of the prevalence in our midst of influenza.
INFLUENZA
Influenza is “grippe.” It is now spreading over the country in epidemic form. The last extensive epidemic occurred in 1889-90, and the disease was very prevalent for several years after.
The present epidemic disease is plain influenza. The term “Spanish Influenza” has been applied because of its recent prevalence in Spain. Influenza occurs every year in the United States, but it is more contagious during an epidemic and pneumonia is a more frequent complication.
Influenza is caused by a germ, the influenza bacillus, which lives but a short time outside of the body. Fresh air and sunshine kill the germ in a few minutes
The disease is spread by the moist secretions from the noses and throats of infected persons.
Protect yourself from infection, keep well, and do not get hysterical over the epidemic.
Avoid being sprayed by the nose and throat secretions of others.
Beware of those who are coughing and wheezing.
Avoid crowded street cars—walk to the office if possible.
Keep out of crowds—avoid theaters, moving picture shows, and other places of public assembly.
Do not travel by railroad unless absolutely necessary.
Do not drink from glasses or cups which have been used by others unless you are sure they have been thoroughly cleansed.
You can do much to lessen the danger to yourself by keeping in good physical condition.
Avoid close, stuffy, and poorly ventilated rooms—insist upon fresh air, but avoid disagreeable drafts.
Eat simple, nourishing food and rink plenty of water. Avoid constipation.
Secure at least seven hours sleep. Avoid physical fatigue.
Keep the feet dry.
Influenza usually has a sudden onset with chilliness, severe headache and “aching all over.” At times the disease begins with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Fever begins early. Frequently catarrhal symptoms do not appear until later. When they do they are the symptoms of a bad cold in the head with a raw throat and dry cough. Weakness and perspiration out of proportion to the fever are common. Former epidemics have been characterized by marked mental depression. In the present epidemic many of the cases are having a gradual onset—more like a gradually increasing cold in the head.
For the protection of others, if you are really sick stay at home and remain there until the fever is over. A day in bed at the beginning may also save you from serious consequences later on.
If you are up and about, protect healthy persons from infection—don’t spray others with the secretions from your nose and throat in coughing, sneezing, laughing, or talking. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief. Boil your handkerchiefs and other contaminated articles. Wash your hands frequently. Keep away from others as much as possible while you have a cough.
If you become ill, don’t try to keep on with your work. Fight the disease rationally and do not become unduly alarmed. In the average case, recovery from acute symptoms follows in five or six days. To hasten recovery and lessen the danger of complications, go to bed at once and keep the body warm. There should be plenty of fresh air, but chilling is to be avoided. At the beginning of the disease, a cathartic, such as 2 ½ or 3 grains of calomel, followed by a seidlitz powder or Epsom salts, is useful. Aspirin in 5 grain doses is useful for paint, but do not take large doses of aspiring, phenacetin, or other medicines. Send for the doctor.
UNDUE ALARM IN INFLUENZA OUTBREAK HERE
Says Health Commisioner Peters—Urges Utmost Precaution—Old Fashioned “Grip” is Back with New Nurse
Declaring that a majority of the cases of Spanish influenza that have developed here are due to carelessness on the part of the members of the families in which one or more members are affected in unnecessarily exposing themselves. A. O. Peters issued a statement Saturday morning, advising a greater degree of caution. He explained that there have been no cases so far as the department has learned that have occurred as a result of general exposure. This, he said, has been carefully guarded against by the health officials in watching closely the cases and isolating them as quickly as they appear.
Health Commissioner Peters said that the people, generally, are unduly alarmed. In explanation of this declaration, he said he had found numerous persons who had suffered a slight attack of the grip and were greatly alarmed because of the belief that their indisposition was due to an attack of the Spanish influenza.
Speaking of the few deaths that have occurred and were attributed to Spanish influenza, Health Commissioner Peters said that they had resulted from pneumonia, which had resulted because of the patients leaving their bed before they were warranted in doing so. Pneumonia, he said, developed in these cases, just as it is likely to do after any illness, if the patient exposes himself prematurely.
Despite the announcement that in Cincinnati the health officials had ordered a suspension of church and school activities, Health Commissioner Peters said that such drastic measures were not justified here. He declared that the people could do much in preventing an epidemic of the disease by exercising only reasonable precautions.
His formal statement dealing with the local situation follows:
“In many instances the present epidemic of la grippe attacks entire families. This is due to carelessness and is unnecessary. As soon as a case develops, strict precaution should at once be instituted to prevent other members of the family from becoming infected. The patient should be isolated as completely from the rest of the family as in scarlet fever or diphtheria. Only one person—the attendant—should be allowed to enter the patient’s room. When attending the patient, the attendant should wear a washable gown over the clothing, which is discarded on leaving the bedroom. She should also wear a gauze mask containing a pledget of cotton saturated with a mild antiseptic solution. The attendant and every other member of the family should use every few hours a mild alkaline antiseptic throat and nose wash prescribed by a physician. The attendant should wash the hands in an antiseptic solution after each exposure. With these simple precautions, it is not necessary for repeating cases to occur.
The present epidemic is as yet no more severe in Dayton than the one we had last April, and the one which prevailed two years ago next December. With strict precautions within the homes, the epidemic would quickly subside.”
WILBUR WRIGHT SICKNESS SAID TO BE REDUCED
“The continuation of dry weather and warm sunshine will be our strongest ally in fighting the epidemic of influenza at the post,” said Major A. N. Farmer, chief medical officer of Wilbur Wright, Saturday morning.
Major Farmer said that should a sudden change in the weather from the current nettled conditions to that of damp and cold conditions prevail, the situation would be more aggravated and much harder to handle.
Major Farmer said that the situation at the field was more promising Saturday than any time since the epidemic of influenza broke out. He referred to the sick call of Saturday morning in support of the statement. The call showed a material falling off. Fewer soldiers have applied for treatment and Major Farmer expressed the belief that the epidemic was now in all probability under control.
The number of patients being treated in the regular improvised hospitals is 355. There has been but one death thus far, that of Corporal Herman Peters of Chicago. Major Farmer said that there had been a tendency during the last few days for the cases in the hospital to take a turn into pneumonia and other complications.
In addition to the regular hospital buildings, three others have been fitted up in which to receive the soldiers as they become ill. Sixteen nurses have been on duty. Of these, 12 are regularly assigned to the post. Two were sent by the local Red Cross society and two from the National Soldiers’ home. The latter were returned Saturday because of the need for them at their own posts. Five nurses were scheduled to arrive during the day from Springfield, having been furnished by the chapter of that city. Miss Mary Yous, Mrs. Anna Koropp, public health nurses are at the field until Monday. Miss Emily Valiquette left Friday for Camp Sherman while Miss Ruanna Gordon, another public health nurse, went to the field Saturday.
All nurses have been called to meet at Red Cross headquarters Saturday afternoon at 5:30 o’clock. Those who have taken short courses qualifying them for nurses’ aides are also wanted. Women who can give part time to the work will be welcomed.
Because of the shortage of nurses in the present crisis, it is believed that the second unit from this city will have to be made up in part with nurses’ aides. The graduate nurses will receive $75 a month in addition to traveling expenses and maintenance, while the aides will receive $30 to $50 a month according to ability and will have all expenses paid. Volunteer service is asked wherever possible.
A number of Dayton physicians are using a painless vaccine to ward off the epidemic from persons who have been exposed to the disease.
Fifteen thousand copies of instructions for preventing and battling the influenza were received in this city Friday from the Cleveland headquarters of the Red Cross. The folders were issued by the United States public health service. The folders were distributed by Scoutmaster John Halen and a corps of volunteers.
The local Red Cross chapter received instructions Friday to rush the work of making 2000 sheets to be sent to Camp Taylor, Ky.
Major Farmer has sent a request for additional medical officers for duty at the field. Thus far no government health physicians or agents have been sent to the field and the situation has been handled by the men regularly stationed at the field.
Dayton Daily News, October 6, 1918
EPIDEMIC TAKES SECOND VICTIM AT FLYING FIELD
Private Walter Cline of Florida, Dies at Wilbur Wright Post Saturday—Sickness is Abating, Says Major Farmer
The second victim of the epidemic of influenza which has been raging for the past week at Wilbur Wright aviation field died at 5:30 o’clock at the field hospital Saturday evening. He was Private Walter Cline of Florida.
Cline was taken to the field hospital five days ago suffering from an attack of the malady and soon after developed pneumonia which finally resulted in his death.
Major A. G. Farmer, chief medical officer at the field said Saturday night that there was every indication that the epidemic at the field was abating. The fact which pointed most strongly to this was that there were but 30 men at the post who reported at sick call Saturday. The daily average has been about 150, although all of this number has not been suffering from influenza.
Reports from the hospital Saturday evening were to the effect that the toll of the epidemic would in all likelihood be added to before the end of another 24 hours. Quite a number of those who have been suffering from the disease have developed pneumonia and at least three of the patients were in a critical condition Saturday night.
In addition to the 13 nurses who had been stationed at the field hospital, five more were received from Springfield Saturday. They will stay until the epidemic has been permanently checked or will be relieved by other trained women from that city and Dayton.
No outside aid has as yet been received by Major Farmer and his staff of assistants and they are giving battle to the epidemic with excellent results as compared with the mortality which has resulted in some of the other military posts.
Dayton Daily News, October 7, 1918
EPIDEMIC’S TOLL IS INCREASED BY SIX MORE DEATHS
New Cases of Influenza at Wilbur Wright Field Continue to Reach Hospital. Eight Have Died.
Two more soldiers of Wilbur Wright Field were added to the toll of the influenza epidemic Monday with the deaths of Privates Fred Peters, of Wavington, Minn., and Wm. L. Alexander, Washington. With four deaths Sunday from the dread disease, the total number of men claimed thus far at the post is eight. The four men who succumbed Sunday were Sergeant James MacCombie, Oswedgo, N.Y.; Corporal Wm. J. Blansett, Jasper, Tenn.; Private Bernard O. Jones, Brownville, Me.; and Private John C. Dennar, St. Joseph, Mo.
Major A. G. Farmer, chief medical officer at the field, said Monday that there were several patients in the post hospital whose conditions are precarious and doubts are entertained for their recovery. The sick call Monday morning brought 16 new cases to the hospital, the lowest number which has been reported since the breaking out of the epidemic. On Sunday 27 cases were reported.
Major Farmer and his staff of assistants are making the fight against the epidemic at the field without outside assistance, except for the 16 nurses who have been furnished by the Dayton and Springfield Red Cross.
While Major Farmer would not say Monday that the epidemic was now under control, he expressed the belief that the malady among the soldiers was gradually abating. The coming of colder and somewhat damp weather Monday is not conducive to getting the epidemic under control.
The total number of cases now at the field is 430.
One death occurred Sunday from among the forces of workmen employed on the flood prevention projects in and near this city. It was that of Steve Miker, 48, who had been employed at Osborn. His death occurred at the Miami Valley hospital where he had been taken for treatment. Pneumonia followed an attack of influenza or grip. The body was turned over to Undertaker Luthman and is being held pending an effort to locate relatives of the dead man.
The officials and physicians of the Miami conservancy district are taking every possible precaution against the spread of the influenza among its 1600 workmen. There have been several cases of colds and grip but the patient in every instance has been isolated and separately treated. The results have been excellent, according to the reports submitted to E. M. Kuhn.
Dayton Daily News, October 8, 1918
4 MORE DEATHS AT W.W. FIELD 14 NEW CASES
Although the toll of the influenza epidemic at Wilbur Wright Field was increased by four deaths Tuesday morning, Major A. G. Farmer, chief medical officer of the post, expressed the belief that the epidemic was abating. He based his hopes upon the fact that but 14 new cases were received at the field hospital Tuesday morning, as against 45 cases Monday. There were 435 cases in all under treatment at the post hospital at noon Tuesday.
In addition to the four deaths of Tuesday, two more deaths occurred Monday night, bringing the total number of deaths since the outbreak of the epidemic to 14.
The Tuesday victims of the disease were Private Martin Anderson, Bridgeport, Conn.; Private Herald Schilling, South Bergerstown, Pa.; Private Benjamin Goldstein, New York City, and Private Henry J. Cling, Canton, Ohio. Private Cling had been assisting the medical staff at the hospital since the outbreak of the epidemic and had given noble service in the fight against the disease which finally brought him down and ended in his death. Major Farmer spoke highly of Cling and of the work which he had done to relive suffering among his comrades before he was stricken. Cling had intended entering medical school at the end of his military service.
The two deaths Monday night were those of Lieutenant Norman Ernst of Chicago and Private Frank Wyss of Fort Wayne, Ind.
Lieutenant Ernst’s death was the first of a commissioned officer since the epidemic began at the post.
Major Farmer’s staff was augmented Tuesday by the arrival of a medical officer.
The nurses furnished by the Dayton and Springfield chapters of the Red Cross are giving valiant service in the fight against the epidemic.
In all of the deaths thus far at the field, the end of the sufferer has been brought about by the cases of influenza or grip, developing pneumonia.
EPIDEMIC IS INCREASING IN BUCKEYE STATE
More Than 25,000 Cases and Many Deaths Reported in Ohio—Mortality List at Camp Sherman Exceeds 500
COLUMBUS.O., Oct. 8—More than 25,000 cases of Spanish Influenza and many deaths have been reported in Ohio, according to an announcement made today by the state department of health. Several hundred new cases were reported today. To date the disease has been reported in 98 Ohio towns and cities.
At Camp Sherman, 98 deaths were reported from 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon to 11 o’clock this morning, making the total deaths there 575. Few new cases were reported there today.
All schools, theaters, and churches were ordered closed today at Marion and Ashland. Seven hundred cases were reported at Ashland and more than 100 cases at Marion. Cincinnati, Oxford, Chillicothe, the Wright Aviation Field, near Dayton, and Ohio university at Athens and Ohio Wesleyan university at Delaware had previously been quarantined. The state department of health today received reports of 150 cases at Fostoria, 150 at Canton, 33 at Franklin, 45 at Middleport, 20 at Youngstown, 200 at New Concord, and scattering cases at Cardington, Bellaire, Akron, Barnesville, Versailles, Rutland, Kenton, Zanesville and Elyria. Many cases are reported at Toledo and Cleveland but no exact figures were obtainable.
State health department officials have no way of ascertaining the exact number of cases in Ohio, or the number of deaths, as physicians are not required to make daily reports.
Dayton Daily News, October 9, 1918
CHURCHS, SCHOOLS MOVIES, SALOONS ORDERED CLOSED
Precautionary Measure Taken by City Health Authorities to Counteract Spread of Influenza in City—Many Societies Call Off Meetings in Conformity with Edict of Authorities
Four deaths and 17 new cases of Spanish Influenza were reported to the city health authorities Wednesday. This is the greatest number of deaths that have been reported in any one day since the disease attacked this city. The number of new cases, however, is decreasing. Until Tuesday, the number of new cases reported to the health authorities ranged from 30 to 33. On Tuesday there were but 13.
Supplemental orders were issued Wednesday morning by Health Commissioner Peters closing the saloons, soda fountains and pool rooms. This action was taken immediately after a conference in which City Manager Barlow and health officials participated. This order is in addition to that issued Tuesday evening closing schools, theaters and churches.
The advisability of closing these institutions was brought up during the conference Tuesday evening, but it was then decided to hold the matter in abeyance, pending information Wednesday morning concerning the conditions then prevailing.
The closing of all these institutions is designed to protect, as far as possible, the workingmen, who are engaged in highly essential employment, especially as it is pointed out, those who are employed in making war material. It was this phase of the situation that was made especially emphatic by the McCook field representatives.
Inasmuch as ample time had not been given so that the saloons, soda fountains and pool rooms might be notified in time to require their closing at noon at the same time as the schools, churches and other institutions, they will confirm with the official edict at 12 o’clock Wednesday night.
The order issued Wednesday morning is taken to apply to all places where non-essential activities are carried on, and where any considerable number of persons are in the habit of congregating.
Following the orders issued by the health department Tuesday evening, all the schools, theaters, churches and other places, where either children or adults are accustomed to assembling were closed at noon Wednesday. They will remain closed until further notice. Their resumption will be contingent upon the length of time required in suppressing the epidemic of Spanish influenza.
Open air activities, such as ball games and other operations that summon people together in the open, are not affected by the order.
The suspension order followed a conference held at the office of City Manager Barlow. The action was taken upon the request of the authorities at the McCook Field.
Those present at the conference were City Manager, J .E. Barlow, Health Commissioner, A. O. Peters, District Physician, Leo Schram, and M.B. Floyd, bacteriologist, representing the health department; Jay Leach, representing the city legal department; Lieutenant John A. Tevis, representing the air service and Captain Philip I. Fronde, medical officer at the McCook Field.
The request made by the McCook field authorities was communicated to the board of education during its conference with the health authorities Tuesday evening and this was followed by an order closing the schools at noon Wednesday. The forenoon was largely given over to adjustment, as far as possible, of the thrift stamp accounts and other details of activities, in which the school pupils had been engaged.
Fourteen new cases were reported to the health authorities Wednesday morning. Every sanitary and medical precaution is being taken by the health department in its efforts to subdue the disease. Health Commissioner Peters stated that the situation in Dayton is being given strict vigilance, all other matters that usually claim the attention of the health authorities, being held in abeyance.
Urgent request was made Wednesday by the health authorities that all persons, who have serious ailments in the form of colds, report to the health department. It is advised that these persons call their family physician and accept treatment, following strictly medical instruction, until cured. This, it was pointed out, will tend to prevent the spread of the disease. Health Commissioner Peters reiterated his oft repeated warning that most of the fatalities have occurred in those cases, in which persons suffering from grip or severe cold, have left homes to go to work. This has resulted in pneumonia and subsequent death.
As a part of the movement to help check the spread of the influenza epidemic, it was announced Wednesday by Judge William A. Budroe that the municipal courts of the city, including police court, will be closed until Monday, October 14.
It is recognized that the police court, into which all classes of prisoners are bought daily, is a dangerous breeding ground for influenza germs, and the precautionary measure is taken through precautionary motives.
During the time the court rooms are closed, they will be thoroughly disinfected.
Arrangements will be made by Judge Budroe to dispose of important cases individually. Prisoners charged with minor offenses may be released from the station house on bail or the payment of regular fines.
Following the request of military authorities that all steps be taken to reduce the possibility of spreading the influenza epidemic, shopkeepers of the Red Cross store announced Wednesday morning that the store will be closed until all danger of spreading the disease has passed.
The collection of old clothing and other articles customarily dropped off at the store will not be continuing during the closed period, and persons with donations are asked to hold on to them until the shop opens again.
Dayton Daily News, October 10, 1918
MANY NURSES ENROLL HERE FOR SERVICE
Favorable Response in Montgomery County to Urgent Call for Help to Stem the Tide of the Epidemic
Nearly two score trained and practical nurses have registered at the Montgomery County Red Cross headquarters. On the first day twenty-four registered, and of the number, twelve volunteered for emergency service and immediately went to camp Sherman to assist in combating influenza and kindred ailments.
Wednesday, a goodly number presented themselves to Mrs. Frank Blum, executive secretary of the special Red Cross committee having the work in charge, and cheerfully filled out their questionnaires. Of the number, Miss Caroline Schreiber volunteered for emergency work, and was sent to McCook Field, where probably seventy-five of the boys in uniform are suffering from colds, grip, influenza and pneumonia.
During the late afternoon, a man who failed to give his name, but who declared he had several years’ experience in regular army hospitals and had aided in combating many ailments, telephoned that he would be at Red Cross headquarters this morning, ready for any assignment that might be given him. His services will be gladly accepted.
Work of planning the registration, the final days of which are October 18 and 19, is going steadily forward under the direction of D. C. Westerfield. Registration stations, where questionnaires may be had and filled out, will be established at convenient drug stores in the city and other towns of the county. Rural physicians and others, whose names will be announced later, will have questionnaires with them and will aid eligible persons in filling out the blanks. The government and Red Cross committee have been assured that druggists and physicians will heartily co-operate in the important work, so that when the final registration day arrives not one eligible person will have been overlooked.
The registration applies to registered and unregistered graduate nurses, male and female, and regardless of race or color. Others required to register are pupil nurses, undergraduate nurses, trained attendants, practical nurses, midwives and all who have taken Red Cross courses in the home care of the sick. The demand virtually applies to all who have had any experience whatever in nursing.
Although convenient places will be established for those who are required to register, and final dates have been set, those who wish may secure and fill out their questionnaires at Red Cross headquarters, or Mrs. Frank Blum, secretary, will mail out the papers upon application to any eligible in the city or county.
There are now more than thirty thousand nurses in overseas service. The government is calling for a like contingent for work in the country and abroad. Of the total number to be taken into the service, Ohio is expected to supply nearly eight hundred within the next month.
Mrs. Blum, secretary, received some local calls Wednesday for assistance even though the volunteers could render no further service than “first aid.”
BELIEVE WAVE OF INFLUENZA ON THE WANE
But a light change was disclosed in the Spanish influenza situation in Dayton Thursday. Two deaths and 28 new cases were reported up until 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon. During the entire day Wednesday, 54 new cases and five deaths were reported.
Thirteen quarantine cards were removed Wednesday and fifteen Thursday.
There have been a total of about 300 cases reported to the health authorities and of this number about one-third have been cured and the quarantine lifted.
There is a general impression among the physicians of the city; however, that the crest of the wave has been past and that the situation will now rapidly clear up.
All the saloons, soda fountains, picture shows, theaters, schools, churches and other institutions that were included in the closing order issued by Health Commissioner Peters Wednesday conformed with the regulations with splendid spirit. There was no complaint from any source, so far as could be ascertained, every one being more than willing to make whatever sacrifice may be necessary to assist the authorities in clearing up the situation.
All the public drinking fountains were subjected to certain regulations Thursday, the decree going out that all the perpendicular fountains must be closed at once.
Self-serving restaurants were also given orders to have all food placed behind guards so that only attendants could touch the plates or containers until they were put upon the patrons trays. This is to avoid spreading the contagion.
Following is the official notice issued by the commissioner of health, department of public welfare, which covers the closing of certain activities on account of the influenza epidemic.
“All perpendicular drinking fountains, all theaters, moving picture houses; all schools, public, parochial and private; all saloons; all billiard and poolrooms, soda fountains, churches, public libraries and all places of public assemblages, held inside buildings shall be closed at once.”
“Warehouses, shipping bottled goods, shall be allowed to continue shipment outside city.”
“No interruptions to open air meetings.”
“Soda fountains now conducting lunches in connection therewith shall be allowed to continue the selling of lunches, candies, cigars, etc.”
In conformity with the orders of the local health department, the Soldiers home authorities forced the closing of the pictures shows at that institution but allowed all other activities to continue as usual.
Dayton Daily News, October 11, 1918
EPIDEMIC IS BELIEVED ON DOWN GRADE
Health Officials Expect Situation to Clear Up Quickly—Closing Orders are Slightly Modified
Modification of the order issued Tuesday by Health Commissioner Peters was announced by that official Friday. The new regulation allows the soda fountains and saloons to open for the purpose of selling goods, but requires that there shall be no congregating of individuals.
These establishments are allowed to open at 5 o’clock in the morning and are required to close at 10 o’clock at night.
But four new cases of influenza were reported up until 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Four deaths were also reported. Health Commissioner Peters stated that there need be no alarm occasioned should there be a slight increase for a few days in the number of deaths. This, he explained, is only a logical outcome of the present situation. He gave it as his opinion, reinforced by that of the physicians of the city, that the apex of the disease was reached last Sunday.
Unless unforeseen developments arise, he expects the situation now to clear up quite speedily.
Insistent instructions were issued, however, for all persons afflicted with the disease to exercise all possible precautions against contracting pneumonia. Health Commissioner Peters, pursuant to this exhortation, said that it is vitally important that patients remain in bed and keep as quiet as possible until all traces of the disease shall have disappeared and the attending physician gives full permission.
The formal order issued by him Friday, affecting the salons and soda fountains, follows:
“Because of the slight improvement of the epidemic of influenza in the city of Dayton, as health officer of the city, I hereby modify that part of the order of October 9 in referring only to saloons and soda fountains as follows:
“Saloons may be open at 5 a.m. for the sale of bottle goods only not consumed on the premises, providing however, that the management thereof shall allow no gathering or assembling of any persons, and that customers will be actually moving, and that the place of business shall be closed promptly at 10 p.m.”
“The above modification will be in effect from Saturday morning, October 12, until further notice.”
Dayton Daily News, October 18, 2007
FIELD EPIDEMIC MUCH IMPROVED
Sick call at Wilbur Wright post continues light and first dismissals are reported.
The influenza epidemic at Wilbur Wright aviation field continues to abate. Late Friday afternoon, Major A. G. Farmer, chief medical officer at the field, dismissed the first cases from the hospital since the epidemic broke out and the number of patients has been reduced from about 580 to 480. The sick call Saturday morning continued light.
Two deaths at the post hospital Friday night and another late Friday brought the toll of the epidemic up to 29. The men who died Friday night were William E. Grimes of Chicago and Dewey McElroy, Meadow Valley, Cal. Friday’s death was that of William Corl, Franklin, Neb.
The entrance to the field at the hostess house is being patrolled by military police, and passengers who alight at the field are required to wait on the platform until another car comes to take them away. Outsiders will not be admitted under any circumstances. The hostess house is now the only place of recreation for the men who are well as the Y.M.C.A. and K. of C. huts are closed to them while being used as temporary hospitals.
MANY DAYTON WOMEN ACCEPT CALL TO CAMP
“Work of the selective draft men, now in training at Camp Sherman, has been remarkable and wonderful,” declared a nurse who last night came into Dayton for a few hours, enroute to the Atlantic seaboard, when she spoke of the labor entailed in fighting the Spanish influenza, grip and pneumonia. “Never have the hours been too long, nor the work too hard, but that the soldier boys at that camp were more than willing to stick to the job of fighting the epidemic that has taken so many of their comrades in arms. They cannot realize how kind they have been to the nurses there, nor will they ever know how many steps they have saved us.”
This is the story of a woman, a graduate nurse now about to sail overseas in speaking of the great work that has come to the physicians and others who have been trying so hard during the past fortnights to save the soldiers who were stricken with the dread disease. She asked that her name be not given to the public. Yet, she declared the boys in khaki were just as anxious that their comrades get well as were any parents or relatives in this or adjoining states. The average number of patients per nurse she said was fifty, and had it not been for the “boys” who dared lend a hand they could not have gotten along as well as they did.
After hearing this story at Red Cross headquarters, a half dozen Dayton women who had registered as trained or practical or trained nurses, immediately asked to be sent to Camp Sherman. Among the number who went last night were Mrs. Helen Cox Mahoney and Mrs. Addie Graham. They left on an evening train. This morning four more will go, including Mrs. Rose Schleps, Miss Cora Redman, Miss Mary Maloney and Miss Charlotte Neivick. None of the number are graduate nurses, yet all have had experience in first aid and practical nursing.
The registration of nurses, for local and war service, as required by Surgeon General W. C. Gorgas, is proceeding finely, according to Mrs. Frank Blum, executive secretary of the special Red Cross committee having the work in charge in Dayton and Montgomery county. More than one hundred nurses already have registered and filled out their questionnaires, said Mrs. Blum, and the number is constantly increasing. It is believed that more than five hundred will respond to this governmental call.
The registration applies alike to males and females, married and single and no distinction is drawn as between races or color. All who have had nursing experience are required to register and fill out their questionnaires.
Dayton Daily News, October 13, 1918
EPIDEMIC WANES—CONDITIONS MAY SOON BE NORMAL
No New Cases of Influenza Reported Saturday Night—Saloons Ordered Closed by Health Officers
At no time widespread in this city, the influenza epidemic situation according to the opinion of Dr. A. O. Peters, health officer, was very encouraging Saturday night. No new cases were reported to Dr. Peters Saturday afternoon, and there were no deaths so far as known. The city offices closed at noon Saturday, and for this reason it is possible that if there were deaths or new cases the reports for the afternoon will be made until Monday.
Officials of the health department Saturday afternoon devoted their time to inspection of places in the city which came under the recent orders issued as a means of prevention of the spread of the epidemic.
Physicians of the city, according to Dr. Peters, report the situation encouraging from every viewpoint. While it is believed that not many new cases will develop under present conditions, it is also reported that many existing cases are of serious nature, and that there will likely be a number of deaths before the epidemic is fully stamped out.
Dr. Peters is of the belief that another week will see conditions cleared up here, thus enabling theaters and other places which have been closed or placed under regulations permitted to again open, although there is, of course, nothing definite to announce in this connection.
Saturday afternoon, 16 saloons and bars in the city, which it is said had been violating the recent health orders, were ordered absolutely closed by the health department. They were Florida House, South Jefferson street; John Rogge, Fifth and St. Clair streets; Beckel hotel, Third and Jefferson streets; George Wahlrab, 28 East Second street; F.H. Tierney, 133 East Second street; H. O. Cullen, 406 East First street; S. F. Frank, 428 East First street; William Kennedy, First and Taylor streets; Charles Head, Monument and Taylor streets; John Radvansky, 444 Keowee street, Steve Kender, West Third Street, Adam Decher, 730 South Ludlow street; Kid Tullis, 1904 South Brown Street; Charles Wentzel, 146 Washington street; James Rodgers, 829 South Brown street, and Theodore Neu, 1203 South Brown street.
Police were given instruction by Chief Allaback to see that the 16 saloons accused of violating health orders remain closed until further notice.
Patrolmen were also ordered to enforce the order forbidding the sale of all liquor except bottled goods and to prevent men from congregating alleys and on sidewalks to drink.
There have been no cases of influenza at the St. Mary college. The president of the college requests the parents and friends of the boarding students to refrain from visiting the students as long as the epidemic of influenza exists in the city. The greatest possible precautions are being taken to prevent influenza from entering the college, and the boarding students are not permitted to leave the grounds to prevent them from intermingling with the people of the city. Lieut. Milton Schwab, commanding officer of the students army corps will refuse all passes to the student soldiers as a precaution to be taken against influenza. This will continue as long as the epidemic lasts in the city.
Reports from St. Elizabeth hospital late Saturday night seemed to indicate an improvement in the situation. Only one death occurred at the institution Saturday and but two new cases were taken to the hospital Saturday night.
Authorities at the Miami Valley hospital reported conditions about the same at that institution.
EPIDEMIC HERE IMPROVED OVER LAST 48 HOURS
While the influenza epidemic did not present as favorable an aspect Saturday as it did Friday, it showed quite a decided improvement over that of Thursday, and Health Commissioner Peters declared the general situation to be encouraging.
“There are unfavorable periods during all epidemics,” said the health commissioner, “and this is no exception to the rule. There is no exception to the rule. There is no occasion for panic, hysteria or undue alarm. If the public will continue to co-operate, the situation, I believe will soon clear up.”
Eleven new cases and five deaths were reported to the health department Saturday. All the restrictions that were laid down Friday by Health Commissioner Peters are still in effect and will continue in force until the medical authorities believe all danger of further spread of the disease is past.
The churches will be closed Sunday, the schools are still suspended, soda fountains may sell liquids in bottles or containers, the saloons are allowed to sell only in bottles, and no one is allowed to congregate in them, and pool rooms are tightly closed.
“I think it is a patriotic duty now for the churches to do their full share in co-operating to the end that the epidemic may be subdued as quickly as possible,” said a prominent Dayton minister, Saturday morning. “On Sunday, the usual devotions can be conducted in the home instead of the church.”
In the event the weather is favorable, outside gatherings may be held, according to Health Commissioner Peters although these, he said should be as few as possible. He explained that especially is there danger even in connection with meetings in the open air, if the weather is damp and disagreeable.
All regulations, included in the statement issued by Health Commissioner Peters, are being rigorously enforced. Those saloons that fail to conform strictly with the requirements are being closed entirely, as are also all soda fountains and other places, where people are accustomed to congregating.
Generally, the public is displaying a remarkably favorable attitude, Health Commissioner Peters declared, and with a continuation of such a spirit as being exhibited for a short time, he gave it as his opinion that the danger will soon be past.
Dayton Daily News, October 14, 1918
CONDITIONS AT FIELD IMPROVE
Sick Call at Wilbur Wright and McCook Posts Continue Light, Five Deaths Occur
Conditions at Wilbur Wright Aviation Field in connection with the epidemic of influenza which has been raging at the post for the last two weeks encouraging Monday, and Major A. G. Farmer, chief medical officer, said that the prospects for stamping out the disease were brighter now than at any other time since the inception of the epidemic. Major Farmer declared that the continued dry and bright weather had done much to relive the situation. The sick call Monday was again light.
Two deaths occurring at the field hospital Sunday evening brought the total, with those of late Saturday night, to 35. The Sunday night deaths were those of Ralph Perkins, Danbury, N.H. and John Middleton, Joplin, Mo. The men who died Saturday night were Thomas Pryor, Dexter City, O.; George Lackie, Airkin, Minn.; and Henry Mailette, Williamsport, Ind.
Captain Froude, medical officer at McCook Field, is likewise optimistic. The sick call at the field continues small. But one death has occurred at McCook Field, that of Private Robert Ashmore, of Flint, Mich.
Dayton Daily News, October 15, 1918
MORE DEATHS – FEWER CASES IN EPIDEMIC
That Health Commissioners Peters’ forecast issued several days ago regarding the gradually increasing number of deaths and the reduction in the number of new cases of influenza was accurate is being borne out. While eleven deaths were reported up until 2 o’clock Tuesday afternoon but two new cases has been brought to the attention of the health authorities.
The statement concerning the reduced number of new cases issued by Health Commissioner Peters is also endorsed by the physicians of the city. There is, according to the physicians, a decided falling off in the number of new cases and the prospects are especially encouraging from this standpoint.
The health commissioner again reiterated his exhortation as to the need of strict precautions in isolating all persons that are afflicted. Much trouble, he said, has been experienced in having the disease pass entirely through families. Just a few days after one case develops, he declared, the other members of the family are stricken almost simultaneously.
“Whenever a case is discovered in a family,” said Health Commissioner Peters, “it should be immediately isolated and but one member of the family allowed to administer treatment. The member attending the patient should follow strict care in order that other members are not infected. No chances should be taken, even in cases of apparent cold. It is difficult to distinguish the cold symptoms from those of influenza, and for this reason, all carelessness in handling the situation should be eliminated.”
With proper precautions, practiced by the public, according to the opinion of Health Commissioner Peters, the epidemic will soon have disappeared.
“There is no possibility that the regulations that have been enforced to the end that the influenza epidemic may be suppressed will be lifted before Saturday and it appears quite likely that they will not then be altered,” said the health commissioner. “While the hardship they are working upon some people, this is unfortunate it cannot be obviated. The health of the city is of prime importance and just as soon as conditions begin to justify the removal of the restrictions, they will be revoked.”
Dayton Daily News, October 16, 1918
QUARANTINE TO CONTINUE FOR ANOTHER WEEK
Health Officer Peters Confident, However, Crest of Epidemic is Past—Death Record Established Tuesday
Despite the fact that there was some increase in the number of new cases of influenza reported to the department Wednesday, there being 14 up until 2 o’clock in the afternoon, Health Commissioner Peters expressed confidence that the crest of the situation is past, and that the future will show rapid improvement. Five deaths were also reported as having resulted from this disease.
A record in the number of death certificates filed with the health department was established Tuesday, when 29 were recorded. Of this number, 13 were attributable to influenza, the remainder to other crimes.
In order to maintain proper precautions, Health Commissioner Peters stated Wednesday that there is little doubt but that the present regulations in the city and the present system of quarantining will have to be kept intact for at least another week, and, perhaps 10 days.
“I am now morally certain that the crisis is past,” said Health Commissioner Peters, “and the danger of the situation developing into scourge proportions, such as have prevailed at the military camps, it appears is completely dispelled. It is merely a matter of maintaining proper precautions until the disease disappears entirely. The cases now being reported are apparently of a milder character and shorter duration than those developing in the earlier stages of the epidemic.”
“However, the restrictions that have been established by the health department will be maintained for at least another week, and perhaps, for 10 days,” declared Health Commissioner Peters. “It would be safer to open the schools next week than to lift any of the other regulations, but these will be kept closed until all other orders are rescinded,”
In order to obviate further confusion as to the regulations affecting the holding of funerals, Health Commissioner Peters pointed out Wednesday that while all funerals must be private, only relatives being allowed to attend, there is no objection to using the churches for this purpose. The health commissioner explained that there is less danger of spreading the disease by using the churches for funerals than in holding them at residences as there is less likelihood of crowded conditions, which are specially conducive to the dissemination of the influenza germ.
It was also directed by Health Commissioner Peters that the casket must not be opened during the service, unless the lid is provided with a glass covering.
There have been this week no violations of the health department orders on the part of the saloon proprietors reported, and stringent orders will be enforced until the epidemic subsides.
With a view to preventing further spread of the disease, the department is endeavoring to prevail upon members of families in which the disease develops to allow but one member to wait on the patient. And in order that this member may avoid contracting the disease, the department urges that the attendant wear a gauze mask, made of a double fold of the material, saturated with boric acid or some other recognized antiseptic. It is also advised that a physician be called to administer a nose and throat wash to the attendant and others that may happen to be exposed.
The national surgeon general’s department has asked the local authorities to make daily report of the number of deaths due to influenza and pneumonia, resulting from this disease. The government at Washington is exercising a profound interest in the disease, and is using every possible means to curtail its ravages.
An investigation of the reports Wednesday showed that during the last 10 days there have been 27 deaths from influenza, and 65 from pneumonia resulting from influenza.
Dayton Daily News, October 18, 1918
AUTO RIDING WILL CHECK SPANISH ‘FLU’
COLUMBUS, Oct.18—With the lifting of the ban prohibiting the use of gasoline Sundays, state health officials here hope that the influenza epidemic will be checked. Acting Health Commissioner Bauman said today by the lifting of the ban many people will get much-needed fresh air which is known to be one of the best preventives of the disease.
With between 2500 and 3000 new cases being reported daily, it is estimated there are nearly 80,000 cases in the state. State medical aid has been sent to several cities where the influenza has reached what is considered dangerous proportions.
In Columbus, Health Officer Kahn denied reports that anti-influenza serums are being used. Kahn said he believed if a preventive serum has been discovered, the government would be using it in the army cantonments.
Dayton Daily News, October 19, 1918
3 NEW CSES, 9 DEATHS FROM EPIDEMIC HERE
Nine deaths from influenza and three new cases of that disease were reported to the health department up until 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon.
Health Commissioner Peters declared Saturday morning that while there is quite a noticeable improvement in the general situation, unless the proper care and treatment are exercised by those who have been afflicted, the seriousness of the disease will be equaled by the resultant complications, known as sequelaeing.
Among the diseases that are likely to follow, unless proper precautions are taken according to Health Commissioner Peters, are tuberculosis, chronic heart trouble and Bright’s Disease.
It was stated also Saturday morning that while North Dayton has been comparatively free from the malady up to the present time, a foothold is gradually being grained there. In the light of this act there is urgent need of more nurses. Health Commissioner stated that the services of two or three nurses for work in this section of the city. He explained that while it seemed almost impossible to secure enough professional nurses those who have had practical experience would answer the purpose.
Special emphasis is being laid by the medical profession upon the importance of all patients afflicted with influenza, remaining indoors or in bed until thoroughly cured.
Dayton Daily News, October 20, 1918
SATURDAY TOLL IS HEAVIEST OF GRIP EPIDEMIC
Reports to Health Director Indicate Distinct Falling off in Number of Influenza Cases—23 Claimed by Malady
The influenza and grip epidemic claimed its largest toll Saturday since it began in Dayton three weeks ago. Twenty-three deaths were reported during the day to Dr. A. O. Peters, city health director, all of them from pneumonia.
In spite of the extra large number of deaths, Dr. Peters was not pessimistic concerning the situation as regards its growing worse. He said that there was a distinct falling off in the number of new cases Saturday, there being but eight. It is the number of new cases rather than the number of deaths by which the health authorities gauge the growing or lessening degree of seriousness of the epidemic.
“The hospitals of the city are filled with victims of the epidemic,” said Dr. Peters, “and we will have many more deaths.”
One of the saving features of the attacks of grip in Dayton, as compared with the form the epidemic has taken in some of the eastern cities, is that there are not many cases which develop acute poisoning. In many instances deaths in some of the eastern centers have occurred within 24 hours after the victim was stricken. The history of the local cases show that they extend for from six to twelve days. Pneumonia, when it makes its appearance, usually develops on the fourth day.
Dr. Peters expressed the belief that the coming week would see a considerable number of deaths. He expressed the hope, however, that with continued favorable weather, the epidemic in Dayton will have about run its course by that time.
Dayton Daily News, October 21, 2007
DECIDED FALLING OFF IN INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC MONDAY
Three deaths and three new cases, officially reported, constitute the record of the Influenza epidemic in Dayton during the last 40 hours. There has been a decided falling off in the number of new cases and Health Commissioner Peters stated Monday that those that are now coming to the attention of the authorities are of milder form than originally.
The situation was greatly improved from every angle. There is being exercised greater precautions on the part of the people who are now disposed.
THREE DAYS PASS WITHOUT DEATHS
Epidemic of Grip and Influenza at Wilbur Wright Field Believed to be Stamped Out
Dayton Daily News, October 23, 1918
HALLOWE’EN EVENTS SHOULD BE TEMPERED
In issuing his annual Hallowe’en warning Wednesday, Safety Director James appealed to the boys of the city to remember the fact that the country is at war and that there is an unusual amount of sickness in Dayton.
Hallowe’en celebrators should show consideration for sick families and not make unnecessary noise. Destruction of property will not be tolerated, said Director James.
Numerous complaints have been received by police the past few days in regard to preliminary celebrating. Police have been instructed to break it up.
To see that the law is enforced this Hallowe’en, a number of extra policemen will be put on duty and boys who fail to heed the warning given them will be arrested.
EPIDEMIC ENDS AT WRIGHT FIELD
No deaths of influenza victims occurred at the Wilbur Wright field hospital Tuesday night, and not a single new case was received Wednesday morning. Medical officers at the field, as a result, are more convinced than ever that the epidemic of influenza and grip at the post has been entirely wiped out.
The time for lifting the quarantine at the field depends wholly upon the action of Springfield and Dayton in this regard. Major A. G. Farmer, chief medical officer at the post, will not consider granting the men of the field their full liberties until the health authorities of the two nearest centers of population lift the ban upon them.
STATE IN NO HURRY TO LIFE “FLU” BAN
COLUMBUS, Oct. 23—It will be early in November and possibly later than that before the ban on theaters, schools, churches and public gatherings will be lifted from those communities suffering from influenza, according to Acting Health Commissioner J. E. Bauman, today.
With approximately 200,000 cases of the disease reported since October 1, and with signs of abatement reported in only isolated communities, the state health department is of the opinion that to open public places at this time would be dangerous.
An elaborate organization to fight the epidemic’s spread is rapidly growing throughout the state. Action has been taken by the Lake Division, Red Cross influenza committee toward facilitating the dispatching of nurses to stricken areas and federal representatives are extending themselves to provide medical and nursing aid to those communities where such facilities are at present lacking.
Dayton Daily News, October 24, 1918
FOURTEEN DEATHS FROM EPIDEMIC HERE THURSDAY
Health Department Records Indicate Improvement in Situation—Ban to Remain Over Another Week
Fourteen deaths from influenza and pneumonia, resulting from influenza, were reported to the health department Thursday up until 2 o’clock in the afternoon. This showed some improvement over the conditions of Wednesday, when there were 34 deaths reported from these two diseases. A report compiled by the health department shows that there have been in Dayton and vicinity 168 deaths from influenza and 119 from pneumonia since the beginning of the epidemic. Of this number, 15 are from out of the city.
It is estimated that there have been about 35,000 cases in the city since the inception of the epidemic, or about one out of four persons living here.
Health Commissioner Peters stated Thursday that the ban upon schools, churches, theaters and other public places will not be lifted before Monday, November 4, and the action at that time will be contingent upon the situation affecting the number of cases of the disease then existing. According to the medical profession, the situation is showing gradual improvement, regardless of the number of deaths. Considerable improvement has also been noted in North Dayton, where the disease had not gained any considerable foothold until quite recently.
Owing to the fact that the disease has developed in some proportion among the children within the last several days, the schools will not reopen until all possible danger is past. Health Commissioner Peters has urged upon the physicians and undertakers to report all deaths as promptly as possible.
Dayton Daily News, October 25, 1918
VISITING NURSES WORKING OVERTIME
The city’s visiting nurses are stressing instruction in the care of sick people as much if not more than doing actual nursing, said Elizabeth Holt, superintendent of nurses Friday.
“Our nurses are so busy that they are concentrating, through sheer necessity, on giving instructions to members of families and allowing them to do the nursing,” said she.
The city now has only 15 visiting nurses on the combined staff and 3 are ill with influenza. Two more women are to assume duty by November 1. The staff includes, also, one assistant or relief nurse. Miss Holt stated that the experience with non-trained women serving as nurses’ aides has been very unsatisfactory, and trained nurses are needed badly. She added that non-trained women may be effective in hospital service where under constant supervision, but that their work is unsatisfactory in public health administration.
The nurses on duty are averaging 15 calls a day and now they are obliged to stay on duty as late as 6 or 7 o’clock in the evening. “We simply can’t give nursing care to all so all we can do is to have the nurses instruct other members of the families and show them how to give the proper care,” said Miss Holt.
Class work at Barney Community House has been suspended during the general quarantine.
Dayton Daily News, October 28, 1918
OPEN AIR RELIGIOUS SERVICE, HOLY ANGELS
Father Neville Celebrated Holy Mass Out of Doors Sunday with Large Audience
In spite of the drizzling rain and cloudy atmosphere the religious services for the South Park-Oakwood Catholics were well attended out in the open air, where the people assembled on the extensive church grounds Sunday.
Father Neville, the pastor, celebrated holy mass at 8 o’clock and again at 9:30 o’clock. The grounds presented a pleasing sight of religious fervor and devotion.
At the last service Father Neville officiated again and preached a short but forceful sermon on “Confidence in God, Our Heavenly Father,”
Acting with the board of health Holy Angels church will remain closed until the ban is lifted, but out-door services will continue, with special service for the All Saints’ day and All Souls’ day, Friday and Saturday of the present week at 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.
Weather conditions of course will regulate the present program. Here is a splendid opportunity to worship God and to pray during these days of war and the epidemic of influenza that victorious peace and health may come to the people.
Dayton Daily News, October 29, 1918
APPEAL FOR NURSES IN INFLUENZA HOMES
Mrs. Frank Blum, who is registering nurses at the Red Cross chapter house again on Tuesday morning made an appeal for women willing to go into the homes where influenza is, not only to nurse the patients, but to prepare suitable foods and make possible such comforts as the various households afford for the patients too ill or too weak to attend to these things for themselves.
“She need not be a graduate nurse, nor even a practical nurse, to be of untold assistance,” declared Mrs. Blum. “A woman with her normal share of common everyday ‘horse sense’ ought to be able to do many things for the sick,” she said.
Telegrams on an average of three a day, have been received at the home service section in respect to illnesses in the homes of soldiers and sailors in training camps, who request furloughs. Mrs. McCluer reports that following visits to these homes, many soldiers have been granted leaves of absences from various military duties throughout the country. A number of new families have sought assistance from the department since the epidemic. Most calls for assistance come about through cases of illnesses at present. Miss Elizabeth Black, one of the visitors of the department, who has had experience as a trained and public health nurse, is giving much personal attention to number of cases involving the families of enlisted men where other assistance cannot be procured.
TUESDAY’S TOLL THE LOWEST DURING EPIDEMIC
Appearance of Influenza Among More Children Makes Opening of Schools Here Uncertain
With but four deaths reported for Tuesday at the noon hour, Health Director Dr. A. O. Peters, said he was much encouraged with the progress which is being made in the fight against the influenza epidemic in this city. The death roll was the smallest for any half day since the outbreak of the epidemic.
Reports received from physicians and hospitals by the health department were all to the effect that the disease is letting up and that conditions are more encouraging than ever before.
A complete survey of the city and county will be taken by the health department Wednesday, with a view to determining just how serious the situation is and to give a more adequate knowledge of the possibilities of lifting the ban on public places in the city. After the survey has been completed, a conference will be held with the state authorities Thursday morning and an announcement made Thursday afternoon of when the ban is to be lifted.
There is but one discouraging feature which has raised its head in connection with the epidemic within the last 24 hours. This is the fact that a larger proportion of children are suffering from influenza and pneumonia than at any time since the epidemic began. Because of this condition, Dr. Peters said that even should the ban on adult assemblies be lifted Sunday, that on the public schools would be continued for a time.
Dayton Daily News, October 30, 1918
FLU QUARANTINE MAY BE LIFTED COMING SUNDAY
Permission of State Health Authorities All That May be Needed to Remove Ban Against Adults
If the state health authorities will approve of the action the ban which has been placed on public places in this city by the local health department as a part of the fight against the epidemic of influenza will be raised.
This was the statement of Health Director Dr. A. O. Peters Wednesday after a partial survey of the city and county had been completed with a view to getting an exact perspective on the situation before placing the proposal to lift the ban before the state authorities.
The situation Wednesday continued to show the same improvement which obtained Tuesday when but 10 deaths were recorded. But three deaths had been reported at noon Wednesday with indications that the second day since the improvement in the situation was first felt will not exceed the first in the number of deaths.
The local health director will not insist that the ban on this community if it in any way conflicts with the general policy of the state department in handling the situation. Dr. Leo Schram, district director, was in Columbus Wednesday and will confer with the acting state health director concerning this district. If Bauman agrees to lifting the ban the quarantine may be expected to be lifted for adults Sunday.
Should the quarantine be abolished it will apply to adults only. The greater prevalence of the disease among children in the city precludes the possibility, Dr. Peters said, of the schools being opened next week. Neither will the children be permitted to attend church, motion picture shows or other places where people congregate in large numbers.
The survey began Wednesday included both the city and county. One member of the city health department was assigned to learn the conditions in the county outside the city.
A definite reply concerning the removal of the quarantine Sunday is expected Thursday.
Dr. Peters was not especially encouraged because of the rain which came Wednesday as, in his opinion, the damp weather would not be conductive to bringing a stop to further spread of the disease.
With all of the heavy toll which the epidemic has claimed in Dayton and community, Dr. Peters sees in it an indirect benefit which will help in the safeguarding the health of the community in the future. This is reflected in the fact that the epidemic has resulted in a campaign of education intended to teach the people the need of ventilation, better sanitary conditions and the fearful results of over-crowding. Another helpful feature is the lesson which it has taught of individual responsibility for one’s health. “It has been the individual attention paid to preventing the spread of the disease and not so much the collective fight against it which has prevented Dayton from suffering as severe malignancy during the period of the epidemic as some other cities,” Dr. Peters said.
VOLUNTEERS CALLED FOR NURSES WORK
With six families clamoring for nursing assistance, three of the calls coming directly to the Red Cross, one from a family physician and two from the welfare department of a local factory, Thursday morning, Mrs. Frank Blum was frantically calling for volunteers willing to go into afflicted homes to assist, not entirely as nurses, but as neighborly housekeepers, until the families were able to help themselves again. Night attendance is not always necessary, Mrs. Blum, the registrant for nurses, says.
So great has been the demand and so many the appeals for nurses made upon the Red Cross that besides furnishing from the list of registrant nurses and practical aides and supervising the filing of these questionnaires, from 9 o’clock to 5 daily, Mrs. Blum, herself a graduate nurse, has been giving her services in a professional manner also at night.
Dayton Daily News, October 31, 1918
SCHOOL CHILDREN NOT TO LOSE THEIR USUAL VACATION
Epidemic Will Have No Effect on Regular Summer Closing Though Spring Term May Be Affected
School children will not lost vacations or be compelled to attend school later than June 20, the time regularly set for closing, on account of the layoff given them by the influenza quarantine, according to a tentative announcement made Thursday by Superintendent F. W. Miller.
Positive assurance that the Christmas vacation will not be cancelled was given by Superintendent Miller. The only vacation about which there is any doubt is the spring vacation, which may be omitted in an effort to make up for lost time.
Rumors that school hours may be lengthened or that school may be held on Saturday were denied.
No authoritative announcement was forthcoming Thursday from the office of the board of education as to the probable time of reopening school.
“It is almost a certainty that the ban will not be lifted next week and doubtful if it is raised in time for school to resume week after next,” said Superintendent Miller.
Even if schools should be reopened the second Monday in November it is probably that the attendance would be far below normal on account of the great amount of sickness among the children of the city, it is said.
The board of education will meet in regular session Thursday evening, but can take no action in regard to throwing open the schools until action has been taken by the state health authorities.
It seemed probable Thursday that the board will act at this meeting on the purchase of the proposed site for the West Side high school at Eaton and Dennison avenues, in case a finding is made today by the jury conducting condemnation proceedings on the ground
BAN LIFTING IS LEFT WITH STATE BOARD
Saturday Morning Set for Removal of Quarantine on Adults if Higher Council Consents
If the state health council at a meeting to be held late Thursday afternoon believes that the situation in this city in connection with the influenza epidemic is sufficiently improved to warrant a partial lifting of the ban which was placed against public gatherings some time ago, conditions in Dayton, so far as they relate to the coming and going of the adult population, will be restored to normal Saturday morning at 6 o’clock. The decision to reopen all public places which have been closed by the quarantine Saturday morning was reached at a conference held Thursday morning among Health Director Dr. A. O. Peters, Dr. D. Frank Garland, welfare director, and City Manager J. E. Barlow.
As the situation now stands it is strictly up to the state health council to determine the status of Dayton’s quarantine. The local health authorities and city officials after a survey which has been made in city and county believe that the ban can be lifted for adults. A report from the state council is expected Thursday evening or Friday morning.
Should the ban be lifted Saturday it will apply to all institutions and places of business with the exception of the schools. Dr. Peters has received reports from hospitals and physicians which show a marked prevalence of influenza and its complications among children. They will not be permitted to attend church or motion picture theaters even should the ban be lifted Saturday for at least another week.
There has been a marked improvement in Dayton’s epidemic. The Wednesday toll was but seven lives as compared with 10 for Tuesday and 37 for the three preceding days. The only discouraging feature concerning the situation now is the heavier outbreak of the disease among children. Dr. Peters said Thursday that the situation is only half as serious as it was a week ago.
Should the ban be lifted Saturday morning saloons and all other places where food and drink is served will be compelled to observe certain sanitary precautions such as sterilization of all vessels in which the commodities are served to patrons.
“Lifting of quarantine restrictions, due to epidemic influenza, will be left to the judgment of local health officials. For the guidance of local health officials, the state department of health advises that when there has been a marked decline in the occurrence of new cases, although some new cases are still occurring, restrictions may be removed only in such places where sanitary conditions are maintained, or can be proved and maintained.”
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