Spanish Flu kills 500
SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 1918
THE FIRST EVIDENCE of the Spanish flu pandemic in Hamilton was reported in September 1918. By the end of the month, a few hundred cases had emerged, but none were considered serious. James Roberts, the city’s medical officer of health, said, “The whole epidemic here, as well as elsewhere, is attributable directly to unseasonable weather.” But within weeks, the number of cases skyrocketed and people by the hundreds were dying. By the end of the year, more than 500 Hamiltonians would be dead, with 7,000 reported cases.
Significance
THE DEATH TOLL — from October to December — was devastating in a city with a population of 107,000 at the time. Unlike most influenza strains, which are hardest on the elderly and people with other health issues, Spanish flu was devastating to the young and healthy. They would die from bacterial pneumonia or the virus itself, which destroyed lung linings. Death was rapid, with many dying within a day of realizing they had been infected. Clarence Graham, a 33-year-old physician, is believed to be the first flu fatality in Hamilton when he died on Oct. 4. His body was transported back to his hometown, Goderich, by Blachford and Son funeral directors, the first of 401 influenza victims who would pass through its Main Street funeral home. The Ministry of Health told undertakers that the dead should be buried within 24 hours. Some local physicians recommended wearing
masks in public places, but the medical officer of health disagreed. “I will never make such a ruling,” Dr. Roberts said. “The masks prevent the good old ozone from circulating through the nostrils and lungs, and that can do no good.” Other quackery was proposed, such as using oil of eucalyptus around the nostrils so the illness “can be checked in its early stages.” Roberts’ office issued orders for street cars to operate with all windows open. Schools and theatres
were shut down. Store hours were restricted, church services cancelled and public funerals prohibited. The city’s two local hospitals could not handle the deluge of patients. Temporary relief hospitals were established at the former home of Hamilton pioneer Robert Land on Barton Street, the Jockey Club hotel at Barton and Ottawa, and the historic Ballinahinch mansion on James Street South.