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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | The Influenza Epidemic of 1918-1919 in Northern Rhodesia |
Author: | Musambachime, Mwelwa C. |
Year: | 1993-1994 |
Periodical: | Zambia Journal of History |
Issue: | 6-7 |
Pages: | 46-73 |
Language: | English |
Notes: | biblio. refs., ills. |
Geographic terms: | Zambia Central Africa |
Subjects: | epidemics influenza History and Exploration Health and Nutrition History, Archaeology history |
Abstract: | The influenza epidemic of 1918-1919 was described by the Secretary for Native Affairs in the administration of Northern Rhodesia (present-day Zambia) as the most fatal epidemic that ever visited the territory. It was introduced into Northern Rhodesia from five neighbouring territories: from Southern Rhodesia via Livingstone, Gwembe and Feira; from German East Africa via Lake Tanganyika; from Katanga Province in Belgian Congo; and from Nyasaland and Mozambique. The outbreak of the epidemic revealed the fragility of the administrative and medical infrastructures, which were totally unable to deal with the epidemic. The influenza epidemic had economic, administrative and social ramifications. It reduced the supply of labour. The mines were affected, and both subsistence and commercial agriculture suffered. During the period of the epidemic, the transportation system was crippled. The epidemic made it difficult for administrative officers to tour their districts. Amongst the African population, the outbreak of the epidemic, with a mortality rate ranging from 3 to 10 percent of the population, created panic and suspicion. Notes, ref. |