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16
It must not be assumed that all absentees were cases of Influenza,
but it may be stated, as a result of particular enquiries,
that about 80 per cent of those absent from school were actually
victims of the disease.
The general population was affected at the same time as
the school children, but as the disease was not notfiable it was
difficult to gauge the extent of the prevalence amongst adults.
A great number of families, however, were severely affected, whole
households being completely incapacitated at the same time. In
the absence of statutory notification the returns of absentees from
the schools gave a general idea of the prevalence of the disease.
During the week ending the 7th October one death occurred
from Influenza, the week ending 14th October none, the week
ending the 21st October two, the week ending 28th October 9, but
during the week ending the 4th November, 30 deaths, making a
total for the month of 42.
During the first week in November the disease reached its
maximum, the deaths for the weeks following showing a distinct
decrease.
Deaths for week ending 11th November 37
Deaths for week ending 18th November 15
Deaths for week ending 25th November 20
Deaths for week ending 2nd December 15
Total for the month 87
The deaths from Influenza during December were as follows:—
Deaths for week ending 9th December 11
Deaths for week ending 16th December 8
Deaths for week ending 23rd December 1
Deaths for week ending 31st December 2
Total deaths for month 22
Thus from the 1st June to the end of the year there were 158
deaths from Influenza.