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Of the 158 deaths, 60 were of males and 98 of females. Between
the ages of 5 and 35 the deaths of females greatly exceeded
the males, 59 female deaths compared with 25 male deaths.
The total deaths for the year, 161, give the high death rate
for Influenza of 2.5 per 1000 population.
measures adopted to deal with epidemic.
The measures taken to prevent the spread of the influenza
were of little avail, in the first place on account of the great infectivity
of the disease, and in the second place on account of the
want of assistance on the part of the public, who failed to take
the necessary steps to prevent the spread of infection, with a dis
interestedness, or even it might be said callousness, which brought
disaster to many families.
In the early stages of the outbreak the schools were visited
and the teachers instructed regarding the isolation of affected
children, the exclusion of children from invaded households and
regarding the ventilation of the classrooms. Instructions based
on those issued by the L.G.B. were issued by posters and leaflets
throughout the town, the latter especially by means of the school.
The aid of the local press was invoked at the same time to
assist in the spread of information.
As it seemed that to have the Cinema Halls kept open while
the schools were closed, the whole object of closure would be
defeated, the managers of these places were approached. One
promptly promised to exclude school children so long as the schools
were closed, one stated that children under 12 years were always
excluded except when accompanied by their parents, one pro
mised to communicate with his Directors, but no reply was received,
the fourth approved of the suggestion but his Directors
disapproved.