Spit Spreads Death: The Influenza Pandemic of 1918-19 In Philadelphia
The 1918-1919 influenza pandemic infected nearly one third of all humans on Earth and resulted in over 50 million deaths. The worst hit city in the United States was Philadelphia, where roughly 17,500 people died from the “Spanish flu.” However, despite its significant impact on human history, many people have never heard of what some have called the “forgotten pandemic.” This virtual presentation will help attendees understand the history of the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic, the virus that caused it, the impact of World War I on spreading the disease, the scientific and public health response to the outbreak, and the ways the pandemic influenced present-day medical knowledge and responses to infectious disease.
* Registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
*This program is provided for by the Friends of the Swarthmore Public Library, Sharon Ford Concert & Lecture Series honoring former library director, Sharon Ford.
Contact
610-543-0436
swarthmore@swarthmorepubliclibrary.org
121 Park Avenue
Swarthmore PA 19081
Find out more at swarthmorepubliclibrary.org