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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The Influenza Epidemic of 1918-1919 in Northern Rhodesia
Author:Musambachime, Mwelwa C.ISNI
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.
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