Maritime Quarantine and the 1918 Influenza Pandemic
Author Information
Author(s): McLeod Melissa A., Baker Michael, Wilson Nick, Kelly Heath, Kiedrzynski Tom, Kool Jacob L.
Primary Institution: University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
Hypothesis
What features distinguish successful from unsuccessful border control attempts to exclude pandemic influenza from South Pacific Island jurisdictions during the 1918–19 influenza pandemic?
Conclusion
Strict maritime quarantine was effective in delaying and excluding influenza in several South Pacific jurisdictions during the 1918 pandemic.
Supporting Evidence
- Four jurisdictions successfully delayed the arrival of pandemic influenza by imposing strict maritime quarantine.
- American Samoa had no recorded deaths attributed to influenza while under quarantine.
- Continental Australia delayed the arrival of influenza by three months due to maritime quarantine.
- Tasmania's strict quarantine resulted in one of the lowest death rates recorded worldwide.
Takeaway
Some islands used strict quarantine to keep out the flu during the 1918 pandemic, and it worked well for them.
Methodology
The study reviewed mortality data and quarantine measures from 11 South Pacific jurisdictions during the 1918–19 influenza pandemic.
Limitations
Historical data limitations prevented a deeper exploration of factors influencing mortality rates.
Participant Demographics
The study included jurisdictions with varying population sizes and health resources, including American Samoa and Australia.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website