While searching some old newspapers from 1944 in Pittsburgh, I came across this article. Fascinating! I wonder how that death rate compares to today- especially now that we have better health care. If you will take note, health care insurance was not a factor in the 1918 or 1944 dates mentioned in the article.
Nation's Death Rate Still Climbing Sharply
171 out of every 10,000 Population Die During Christmas Week
"The fourth consecutive week of a sharply mounting death rate claimed an average of 171 lives for every 10,000 persons in the country during Christmas week.
The Census Bureau reported the figures today-52 more deaths than normal for each 10,000 population......"
The article goes on to report the flu epidemic was mild. With some other statistics comes the final one- "One week of the 1918 epidemic had a death rate of 380 percent above normal."
To read the entire article found in the January 1, 1944 Pittsburgh Post Gazette, click here and enter page 4 in the box.
Ahh, genealogy, it's such a fun read!
Ahhh, genealogy. A glimpse of the past shows of what I am made.....
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