21 More Deaths Due to Epidemic

• Two of 21 reported deaths caused entirely from flu, remainder from pneumonia and flu combinations• Dr. Blake held conference with 10 prominent physicians of the city and state, and it was unanimously decided that “practically no good would result from any drastic action at this time”• Another warning issued against “promiscuous visiting” and large gatherings• A separate conference held at Mercy Hospital with physician members of the Hospital Conference Association criticized the City Health Department for not taking sufficient action against the disease• Mayor Preston asked to make provision to relieve hospital overcrowding, and to close public gathering places to prevent further spread of influenza• Dr. Blake responded: “Why . . . every day and night there are tremendous gatherings in the interest of the [Liberty] loan: then imagine if you can what it would mean if we put a sudden stop to all such meetings. We do not consider such drastic steps necessary in view of the extreme low civilian death rate in the city.”• Sparrows Point steel mills hampered by loss of menNewspaper article1