How Location and Response Influenced the Spread and Containment of Spanish Influenza in Wisconsin : Comparing Milwaukee and Eau Claire

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of Spanish Influenza on the cities of Milwaukee and Eau Claire, WI in 1918. The main argument is that Eau Claire fared better than Milwaukee in the epidemic not because of its demographic make-up and geographical location but rather because of the procedures Eau Claire took in order to contain the disease and to prevent the further spread of it. Records from the Eau Claire Department of Health as well as articles within the local newspapers, such as the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the Eau Claire Leader Telegram, are used to document and gauge the effectiveness of health policies enacted to help curb the spread of the pandemic by both cities during its second wave from September through December 1918.