GRIP EPIDEMIC IN CHICAGO
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    An epidemic of grip has seized Chicago and the continual changes in the weather are aiding it in its course. New cases are reported daily. Many of the cases reported to the Health department as diphtheria, scarlet fever, and similar afflictions are found on investigation to be influenza. Among the germ specimens sent to Dr. Wynekoop of the Health department grip germs are found almost invariably.
    The mucous membranes are irritated by the present climatic changes," said Dr. Wynekoop, "and are in poor condition to throw off any germs that settle on them. This grip germ is found where the patient is suffering from throat troubles and similar complications. The irritated membranes cause a catarrhal condition that is favorable to the spreading of the disease. In nearly every specimen brought for investigation I find that little germ present."
    It is thought a continued cold spell would put a stop to the present raging of the disease, but doctors refuse to prophesy how far it may spread unless atmospheric conditions materially change. The germs are so small that thousands of them may be exhaled at a breath, and in the moist air they thrive better than under any other condition.
    The crowded street cars are acting as distributing agents for the disease and physicians are up in arms at the prevalence of the habit of expectorating in these conveyances. Traction officials, it is said, are about to revive the order against it as a precaution tending to stop the epidemic. This order has been a dead letter for months.
    The epidemic has seized the University of Chicago and attendance there is irregular. Professor John M. Manley of the English literature department is confined to his home, and Miss Eleanore Hammond, an instructor, has been forced to give up her classes. President Harper was about again yesterday after a week's siege of the disease. Many of the students did not attend classes yesterday.
    Two new cases of smallpox were discovered during the day by Dr. Spalding of the Health department. One was a woman. Mrs. Mary Whitman, 797 South Sawyer avenue. The second case is that of W. J. Millice, 4903 Calumet avenue. Millice lives in a flat building in which fifty-eight families reside. He has not been outside of his apartments since being ill, and the rooms have been disinfected. No further contagion is feared by the health officials in the building. Millice is 29 years old. Mrs. Whitman is 62 and is the oldest patient at the Isolation Hospital suffering from the disease.
    Mayor Harrison was vaccinated by Health Commissioner Reynolds during the day. At the same time the Mayor's children were vaccinated by the family physician.

Source:

Unknown, "Grip Epidemic In Chicago," Chicago Daily Tribune, Thursday, 10 January, 1901, Page 5.