|
At the present time there seems to be a rash of people coming down with the "flu", in spite of the shots that have been developed. Back in 1918 Rutland as well as the rest of the world was struck with an epidemic of the Spanish flu. September's 34 cases climbed to 710 in October and reduced to 77 and 78 cases respectively in November and December. But, in January of 1919, the cases again rose to 198 in Rutland City. By April of 1919 there were 10 cases reported - the epidemic appeared to be over. But, by February of 1920, it again reached epidemic proportions at 287 cases, subsiding to 15 in April. By 1922, there were only 2 cases of flu reported for the year. Today is the flu reaching epidemic proportions?
Does the weather have any affect on all of this? According to the weather statistics of George H. Ross, Rutland's weather observer at that time, there were 18 days of rain listed in September of 1918 and 6 to 7 inches of rain for the month of October from 15 cloudy or rainy days. November and December had less precipitation with very little snow remaining on the ground. In January of 1919 there was 10 inches of snow with a minimal amount remaining on the ground and only 6 clear days for the month. In January of 1920 there was over a foot of snow, but it was very cold: 20 days of below zero weather led to a cold February First which had a high of minus ten degrees and a low of minus 26 degrees below zero. At that point as you can see, the flu was back.
An "old wives tale" indicates the less snow, the more illness. If so, be careful, stay healthy and guard against the "flu". The weather outside has been VERY unseasonal. [Frightful?]
[The Rutland Historical Society Library has daily weather report books kept by George H. Ross, George L. Kirk and Mrs. George L. (Dorothy) Kirk from August 1916 through September 1982].
|
