On This Day, 9 July 1918

Birmingham Daily Gazette

Tuesday 9 July 1918

THE INFLUENZA.

MALADY CAUSES 96 DEATHS IN BIRMINGHAM.

There are few indications that the influenza epidemic is abating.

According to the report of the Medical Officer of Health, 96 deaths occurred from influenza in Birmingham last week.

In addition there was a big increase in the number of deaths from respiratory and pulmonary diseases, with the result that the death rate for the city “jumped” to 19.7 per 1,000 of the population, as compared with 10.8 for the previous week.

With regard to the epidemic of influenza in the elementary schools of the city, the position was reported to be much the same. A number of schools, which had been closed, reopened, however, yesterday.

The epidemic spread alarmingly during the week-end in Wolverhampton, and it was necessary to close nearly all the schools, scholars and teachings being alike affected.

At yesterday’s meeting of the Town Council Mr. Walsh said it was probable that the whole o the schools would be closed to-day for the week. He promised to consider a suggestion of Alderman Richards, the ex-chairman, to anticipate the summer holidays by a week or two.

At a meeting of the Dudley Education Authority last night Mr. John Greaves, chairman of the Attendance Sub-committee, said there was no abatement in the influenza epidemic, which had affected their attendances for the last month by 3 per cent. The schools are closed.

Schools have had to be closed in Tipton district in consequence of absences due to the influenza epidemic.