The Origin of the 1918 Spanish Flu

Misconceptions about the Origin

• Commonly referred to as the "Spanish flu," but likely did not originate in Spain.
• New theory suggests the disease may have started in the Midwest, USA.

Possible Origin in Kansas

• Western Kansas Theory:
  • February 1918: Dr. Loring Minor in Haskell County, Kansas notices a spike in flu cases.
  • Unique strain of influenza prompting Dr. Minor to alert the US Public Health Service.
• East Coast Evidence:
  • January 1918: Flu affecting young adults on the East Coast, including a wave in New York City.
  • Possible transmission between New York and Kansas is uncertain.

Historical Context

• America focused on other priorities due to World War I.
• April 1917: USA enters WWI, necessitating rapid troop deployment.

Spread through Military Camps

• Camp Funston, Kansas:
  • Albert Gitchell, a cook, becomes an early identified patient in March 1918.
  • Gitchell's role in food preparation potentially facilitated rapid spread.
  • Within hours of symptoms, over 100 soldiers report similar symptoms; 46 men die.

Impact

• Initial outbreak in Kansas spurs nationwide and global spread.
• The disease, incubated in military camps, contributes significantly to global pandemic.