1918 Pandemic in California

The Spanish Influenza pandemic of 1918-1920 infected about one quarter of the world population, around 500 Million people.   I did however have a relatively low death rate at about 0.5%.  The influenza was actually misnamed and did not originate in Spain but was named so because it was the only country in Europe that acknowledged that they had an epidemic.

The virus was brought by American soldiers during  World War I, then it mutated  and it was carried back to Europe, where it (re)infected more people. History repeats itself. There are very similar stories of the problems authorities had with supplies and also with deciding to limit the person-to-person contact. Mayors and Governors were criticized for not responding quickly, or for being too aggressive. Another debate was whether to use a mask or not!

Read more about Carlsbad history of the 1918 pandemic in the United States:

https://cbadhistory.wordpress.com/

https://www.influenzaarchive.org/index.html

photo credits: Carlsbad Alkaline Water

Written by:
Cherimarie Poulos
Owner & Founder of Carlsbad Food Tours

Cheri has a strong connection to Carlsbad. One of her daughter’s was Miss Carlsbad 2005. So, she voted herself to be Mrs. Carlsbad. Now the Chief Foodie & Founder of Carlsbad Food Tours! She loves Carlsbad & is happy to share her knowledge of local history and great eateries.  When she is not horseback riding, she is hanging out in Carlsbad doing food tours.