Conquering the flu in Penticton district
EDITOR’S NOTE: In recognition of Canada’s 150th anniversary, The Herald is reprinting historic stories from the South Okanagan focusing on the biggest news story of each year. The wording, which is insensitive by 2017 standards, was changed from its original text.
NOVEMBER 14, 1918: Up to date 167 cases of influenza have been reported in Penticton. This number includes 30 cases of First Nation. It is possible the Aboriginal cases may run higher, but only 30 have been reported so far.
The new cases reported in town number two or three a day, as compared with about 10 a day last week. It is therefore believed that another week or two will see a very noticeable falling off in the strength of the epidemic.
There have been two deaths so far and there are at present only four or five serious cases.
Warm tributes to the work of the women of Penticton, particularly those who have undertaken the emergency committee duties, and others who have volunteered as nurses is being made on every hand. The school teachers have done good work as nurses, several of them paying the price of duty by becoming themselves temporary victims of a mild form of the malady.
Dr. White, medical health officer, declared today that the women workers had saved the day in Penticton by their nursing and the operation of their soup kitchen under the direction of Mrs. Mould. This kitchen was organized at the school after a meeting of the emergency committee last Saturday, and has been the means of giving much valuable aid. The ministers of the town have also contributed unselfish service in combatting the scourge. With Dr. McGregor himself an influenza patient, the entire medical burden fell upon the shoulders of Dr. White, and he has been rushed night and day. It is reported today that only four patients, Messrs. Kramer, Butterworth and Otto Steele are in really serious condition. Mr. Kramer is past the critical period of pneumonia. The proprietor of the shooting gallery on Front Street is also approaching a serious state.
About 30 or 40 residents of the Penticton Indian Reserve have the flu, but all of them appear to be getting better.
Mate John Simpson of the Sicamous succumbed to influenza and pneumonia last Saturday, after making a brave fight for life. The funeral was conducted by Rev. Mr. Cleland.
Although known to a comparatively small circle of acquaintances, the late Mr. Simpson was popular among those who knew him. He was regarded as an efficient ship’s officer. He leaves a wife and two little girls, living here.
The funeral of Former Chief Engineer Jacobs of the Sicamous, who died from the flu at Nakusp, was held here this week with Rev. Fergusson Millar officiating. He leaves a wife and two small boys. They have lived in Penticton for several years.