Add Your page Name Here

Flu Epidemic 1918

About September 30, 1918, the Spanish Flu made its second and much more devastating appearance in Colorado. Before it subsided in 1919, the state observed 49,406 flu cases with 7,783 deaths, according to official records.
About 1500 of those deaths were in Denver. At the other extreme, Gunnison did not suffer a single case, as they had an extremely early and tough quarantine. No one entered town, and if they had to, they were isolated for days.
Rifle suffered badly according to records in the newspaper. Each edition of the paper listed multiple cases of the flu and quite a few people in Rifle did pass away.
As the State Board of Health ordered all public places to be closed, Denver schools were shut down entirely about October 14. The school year was extended into July to make up for lost days.
Rifle followed the same quarantine guidelines. Without an adequate hospital, the Red Cross took over the Masonic Temple on November 15 and opened it as a flu hospital.
However, by December 20, Rifle had to take more drastic measures. Much more stringent controls were put on those quarantined and on those treating them.
Here is a collection of news items and historical accounts.

    

      

 

---