Nebraska’s last great epidemic was the influenza outbreak of 1918, which, according to public health archives, quickly spread throughout the state causing great fear and untold deaths. Because the individual strain of influenza that wreaked havoc on Nebraska was believed to have originated in Spain, the locals greatly feared being visited by “The Spanish Lady”–and they took great precautions to avoid potential exposure.
By applying intense public pressure, an executive mandate was ultimately issued by the State Board of Health prohibiting all public meetings, classes, worship services, movies, and all other extra curricular activities. Indeed, so intense was the outbreak, mail carriers and shopkeepers wore white face masks for protection.
Despite these aggressive actions, the Spanish influenza epidemic of 1918 took a particularly devastating toll on the people of Nebraska as thousands upon thousands perished.
In a remote cemetery in Newcastle, NE, Ave Maria still prays for the departed–many of whom died during the influenza outbreak of 1918. According to Nebraska public health officials, another outbreak is plausible within the next decade.
What do you think?