The Spanish Influenza Pandemic of 1918 / An Account of Its Ravages in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and the Efforts Made to Combat and Subdue It

by Oscar Jewell Harvey

7. Canteen Service.

8. Automobile Service.

9. Publicity Bureau.

10. Miscellaneous.

At this time the influenza and pneumonia conditions were “appalling” in certain localities in Luzerne County. At Glen Lyon, as well as at Georgetown in the township of Wilkes-Barré, the situation was very serious. An average of about 75 new cases per day in Wilkes-Barré was being reported, while all the emergency hospitals in the District were without sufficient help.

On October 22 new cases in Wilkes-Barré to the number of 120 were reported, while conditions in Glen Lyon, Nanticoke, Wanamie and some other places in the 5th District were “desperate”. On this date Dr. Miner and the Chairman of the General Committee received the following communication, copies of which were immediately transmitted by them to the various emergency organizations in the 5th District.

“October 20, 1918.

“From: The Commissioner of Health of Pennsylvania.

“To: All concerned with Problem of Nursing during the present Epidemic of Influenza.

“Subject: Plan of Organization and Instructions. (General Order No. 2.)