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Spokane was not spared the 1918 worldwide Spanish Influenza. The first nationwide case was reported on October 1, but no alarm was sounded. The outbreak spread like wildfire, reaching 42 states within two days and Washington State within a week. Gauze masks were recommended but gave little protection. By October 8th all Spokane public gathering places were closed, including courts and stock exchange. Weddings, funerals, and church services were banned, and rules were strictly enforced regarding ventilation, sanitation, and spitting. The community rallied and established an influenza hospital in the Lion Hotel; Red Cross volunteers made gauze masks, and public health visiting nurses provided aid to families.The epidemic forced a ban on singing at Christmas church services before it finally ended in January 1919. Compared to other cities, Spokane's suffering was modest; only 1045 deaths among nearly 17,000 influenza cases. This photograph shows members of the Knoll family wearing gauze masks at their home on Spokane's south hill c1918. |
