Birth Of A Monster.

October 1918, the world was still fighting World War 1. Although the end of hostiles was near, news and other media remained. Therefore, it was left to the non combatant country of Spain to report that civilians in many places were becoming ill and dying at an alarming rate. These circumstances gave rise to the name by which the disease would forever be known - The Spanish Flu.

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This pandemic began its journey in March 1918. It was first traced to the state of Kansas, USA. It apparently spread to France by the newly arrived U.S soliders. By July 1918, influenza deaths had a sharp increase and it seemed to be the worst illness ever. Little did doctors know at that time, the pandemic was only gathering strength to become a more effecient killer.

Ironically, when the world rejoiced at the end of World War 1 on November 11, 1918, the pestilence broke out worldwide.

It was a "MONSTER" that now claimed international headlines. It was so bad that the life expectancy in the United States dropped by over 10 years in 1918.
But there was something about this pestilence that was wired and different.

A Unique Pestilence.

What was most alarming about this ailment was its suddenness and speed.

In Rio de Jeneiro, a man asked a medical student named Cairo Viera Da Cunha, who was waiting for a street car, for information in a normal voice, then suddenly the man fell down dead.

In Cape Town, South Africa, Charles Lewis boarded a street car for a three mile trip home when the conductor collapsed, dead. In the next three miles six people aboard the street car died, including the driver. All died of the same ailment, FLU.

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What was also scary about it was that it struck indiscriminately. It didn't really affect the elderly, it struck healthy young people and killed them.

It was indeed the most devastating pandemic in the history of mankind.

When Science Proved Helpless.

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During, the era of the World War, doctors have made great strides conquering diseases. But then, came the Spanish Flu, and medical science proved practically helpless. A medical doctor says and I quote,

All the physicians of 1918 were participants in the greatest failure of medical science in the twentieth century or, if absolute numbers of dead are the measure, of all time.

Indeed, 1918 which was supposed to be a year of joy due to the end of World War 1,brought fear and tears to the heart of individuals.

Thank you all for your time.

Sincerely @pboss123.