Summary
In 1889-1890 the measles epidemic was overshadowed by the emergence of an influenza pandemic. Called the "Russian Flu" because of it's origins in the Caucasus Mountains, the disease spread globally at an alarming rate due to the speed of transportation provided by trains and steamships. The "Russian Flu" killed one million people globally within a year.
Implications
Being an infectious pulmonary disease, the impact of influenza was worse in communities suffering from tuberculosis. Reserve communities on the southern plains proved to be particularly susceptible to Influenza as they suffered from widespread malnourishment and tuberculosis. In some cases people also suffered from severe whooping cough, another infectious pulmonary disease.
Sub Event
Emergence of the "Russian Flu"
Date
1889-00-00