100 Years Ago – Influenza Epidemic
With the serious concern surrounding the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, which has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), it is interesting to note that Hawai‘i was hit by an influenza epidemic at the beginning of 1920.
A survey of newspaper articles from the time shows that close tabs were kept on the number of people infected and the resulting deaths.
In the two months of the epidemic a total of 3157 cases have been reported in the city. It is agreed by those who have studied the situation that fully 1000 cases have never been brought to the notice of the board of health authorities. Deaths from influenza have numbered 312 since the first of January, when the epidemic began in Honolulu. From pneumonia there have been 57 deaths during the same time, making a total of 369 deaths due entirely to the epidemic. (“No Improvement In Flu Epidemic; Many More Cases.” Honolulu Advertiser, 10 March 1920.)
Needless to say, the maritime world was also affected.
Of the seven cases of sickness [on board the army transport Great Northern], only one was too ill to walk ashore this morning and enter the army ambulances which were waiting at the dock. He was a soldier and was a stretcher case. All the sick were removed to the department hospital at Fort Shafter. (“Great Northern Has Flu and Engine Trouble.” Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 6 March 1920.)
Foreign ships with sick or deceased passengers were quarantined:
There are nine patients at Quarantine Island, one cabin and seven steerage passengers from the Tenyo Maru, all Japanese, and one passenger, a Chinese, from the Nanking. One of the passengers from the Nanking died this morning and one of the patients from the Shinyo Maru died last night. (“Influenza is Increasing on All Islands.” Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 6 February 1920.)
Shore leave was cancelled for the crew of the Japanese navy training ship Yakumo:
While she was at San Diego none of the members of her crew was [sic] allowed shore liberty because of presence there of a ‘flu’ epidemic. Same precaution will be taken by the ship’s officers during her stay of three days in Honolulu. (“No Shore Leave.” Honolulu Advertiser, 10 March 1920.)
Local mariners and waterfront workers also became ill:
Owing to the ‘flu,’ seven of Young Brothers’ tugboat and launch ‘skippers’ were on the sick list and unable to work this morning. ‘Bill’ Young donned overalls and ran the customs launch to meet the Manoa and Glorieta, his regular engineer, ‘Joe’ Caminos having come down with the ‘flu’ yesterday afternoon. Mr. Young handled the launch with all his old time skill, and friends on the Manoa greeted him uproariously as they saw him at the wheel. (“Harbor Notes.” Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 10 February 1920.)
Five pursers and freight clerks of Inter-Island steamers are reported to be ill with influenza today, in addition to several of the freight clerks at Pier 12 and Pier 14.
According to William McKay, marine superintendent of the company, the ‘flu’ epidemic has not interrupted the schedule of any steamer, although on several occasions the boats have been short handed.
A number of sailors who have been down sick are coming back to work this week. The ailment has stricken a number of men in the steward’s department of various steamers, but the situation is now reported to be considerably improved. (“Flu Situation Improves.” Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 8 March 1920.)
CAPT. RICHARD NELSON, territorial pilot, was reported today to be resting very comfortably, although he still has a little fever. The captain is ill with the prevailing ailment.
CAPT. W. C. BRUHN of the Inter-Island steamer Likelike is staying ashore this week taking care of his family, all of whom are ill with influenza at their home, 1441 Palolo road.
CAPT. J. O. PETTERSEN, wharf superintendent of the Matson Navigation Co. at this port, returned to work yesterday after an illness of two weeks due to the ‘flu.’ He lost eight pounds and a half.
CAPT. M. A. MADSEN, territorial pilot, is much improved today and able to be around again. He will not return to work for a few days yet, Capt. William R. Foster, harbormaster, having told him to stay home until he has fully recovered his strength. (“Personals.” Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 9 March 1920.)
Take care everyone!
