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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 the Gold Coast
Author:Patterson, K. David
Year:1983
Periodical:The Journal of African History
Volume:24
Issue:4
Pages:485-502
Language:English
Geographic term:Ghana
Subjects:epidemics
Health and Nutrition
History and Exploration
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
colonialism
External link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/181255
Abstract:The Gold Coast (modern Ghana) was severly attacked by the influenza pandemic of 1918-19. The disease was introduced by shipping along the southern coast and overland across the northern frontier. As was true elsewhere on the continent the spread of influenza was greatly facilitated by the new colonial transportation network. Quarantines and other preventive measures were futile and therapy, African or British, could do no more than alleviate symptoms. Influenza struck the majority of the population, but mortality rates varied regionally and, to some extent, by occupation. Deaths were especially numerous in the far north. The influenza epidemic killed 100,000 or more people in less than six months and was almost certainly the worst short-term demographic disaster in the history of Ghana. Map, notes, tab.
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