Influenza In City Is Under Control

• “No further cases of Spanish influenza were unearthed yesterday by city health officers, who believe they have the disease well under control, but are doubling precautions in an effort to keep it so.”• The four cases at the Benson Polytechnic Army training school have been verified as Spanish influenza. Four more cases are being investigated. These patients are kept isolated. The quarantine is still in place at the school. • Approximately 20 other cases have been investigated but were “broken up” within 36 to 48 hours. • Several “prominent” doctors have reported that they have treated influenza patients but tests proved that these patients were actually suffering from bad colds. • City health officials are closely monitoring theaters to make sure they are complying with the “anti-sneeze” order, proper ventilation, lighting, and “other features that may affect the spread of the disease.”• If there is an outbreak in Portland, the closure of schools, churches, and places of entertainment will be one of the first steps taken. This decision is related to advice from Surgeon General Blue. • Dr. Parrish is not attending the city health officers’ convention in Chicago so that he is on hand to help combat the epidemic. • Dr. Parrish: “Several cases of Spanish influenza have broken out which may be the forerunner of an epidemic. Under the circumstances and not knowing what developments may bring, I will remain in the city at this time.”• Preventative measures are in place in Portland public schools on suggestion from Dr. Parrish. The “open air system” will be used and teachers will give informative talks. In addition, Superintendant Grout cancelled all indoor assemblies, including gym classes. Teachers and pupils are told not to gather together in large groups. So far there have not been any cases of Spanish influenza in the schools. It is said that the schools will not be closed unless the epidemic becomes a problem among the civilian population. • A bulletin was passed out to all railroad workers. It details the causes of influenza as well as common forms of prevention.Newspaper article