Democratic Sentinel, Volume 13, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 January 1890 — SPREAD OF “LA GRIPPE” [ARTICLE]

SPREAD OF “LA GRIPPE”

RAPIDLY EXTENDING OVER THIS COUNTRY. Dr. Shrady Pronounces the Epidemic the Genuine Russian Influenza, Though ot Rather a Mild Type—Dispatches from This and Other Lands Telling of Its Extent. Dr. George F. Shrady, of New York, in an article upon the.epidemic of influen za, says: “There is now no doubt that influenza, or what is popularly known as *the grip,’ has become epidemic m this city and is scattered broadcast over the country. It is also quite evident that its general characteristics correspond with those noted in connection with the prevailing type of tha malady in Russia, Germany, and France. Fortunately it is of such a mild type that, save for its invasion of large districts and for the large number of persons attacked, it would scarcely be noticed in the catagory of ailments connected with the usual ones which occur during the winter months associated with rapid and varied changes of temperature and humidity. “The type of the present epidemic partakes more * of the febrile and nervous variety than that of the purely catarrhal. The increased temperature in the beginning of the attack, with the severe pains iu the head, back, and lower extremitios, are the leading phenomena which are noted in the large majority of cases. Only In a comparatively few instances are the coryzal symptoms the leading features of the seizure. This latter is, perhaps, a fortunate circumstance, in view of the generally accepted opinion concerning the greatly exaggerated danger of bronchitis and pneumonia as necessary complications. “The reports of the fatality of the disease, as might have been expected, hare been very much exaggerated. Particularly does this remark apply to the alarming reports of the recent death rate in Paris. In point of fact, there is no disease with such a wide prevalence which has such a comparatively low mortality. In this country, at least, there is yet to be reported the first case of death which can be laid to p pure and simple attack ot the disease. Even the serious complications are so few as scarcely to merit recognition alongside of those which are constantly occurring with the usual diseases of the season. ’ ’ The rapidity with which the malady is spreading in this country, as well as the progress of the disease abroad may be judged from (he following dispatches from the several points mentioned: Scottdale. Pa.—Harvey Jones, a clerk in the Union Supply company’s store, died of an attack of influenza. Jefferson City, Mo.—There are twentyeight cases of influenza here. Labor Commissioner Merriweatber and Gov. Francis’ private secretary, M. A. Fanning, ara among the victims. Greensburg, Kan. —Twenty-three mild cases of influenza are reported by the physicians here. New York—Clinton prison, this State, has 400 grip cases among its inmates. The official clerical force is all abed, too. Montreal, Quebec — induenza epidemic is increasing and there is a great deal of other sickness. Little snow and ice remains, and the weather is very mild and unwholesome.