1918 Influenza: A Winnebago County, Wisconsin perspective

Abstract

The population of Winnebago County in 1918 was approximately 62,000 residents. It consisted of towns supporting diverse manufacturers surrounded by farming country. For this study, records were revisited, and 1918 to 1920 influenza survivors were interviewed. A pharmacological investigation encompassing the various influenza treatments used in Wisconsin from 1918 to 1920 was documented. In 1918, over 180 individuals perished from influenza, and over 2000 cases were reported in Winnebago County, Wisconsin. Influenza returned in 1920, which some researchers refer to as the "fourth wave," claiming nearly 50 lives in Winnebago County, Wisconsin. This study also documents the 1920 influenza wave. ©2009 Marshfield Clinic.