GOLDFIELDS HISTORY: The echo of the Spanish Flu era on Gwalia and Leonora

The following article was published in the West Australian on June 10, 1919, page 5:

“Influenza. Yesterday’s developments. Three fresh cases, no deaths. Metropolitan area quarantined. Serious position at Leonora.”

The position at Leonora and Gwalia is more serious, 20 new cases having been reported, necessitating the commandeering of the State Hotel for service as a special isolation hospital, the accommodation at the ordinary hospital being already overtaxed.

As from midnight tonight persons desiring to leave the metropolitan suburban area are required to be medically examined prior to taking their departure from that area, which has been quarantined.

The following story was published in the West Australian on June 6, 1919:

It will be remembered that recently three Italians were reported to be suffering from pneumonia at Leonora, subsequently it was ascertained that the cases occurred at Gwalia, later on the three patients died, the cause of death being given as bronco-pneumonia, which led to the action taken by the Commissioner.

In a statement late last night the Commissioner said: “In view of the occurrence of a further case of bronco-pneumonia at Gwalia amongst the contacts of the previous cases, and in view of a report that there are a number of cases of influenza, one of a severe nature in the district, steps have been taken to quarantine Gwalia and Leonora.”

With this end in view, the outlets will be patrolled and the passenger train service interrupted in so far that no passengers will be carried from stations north-west of Malcolm.

Goods will be run into the Gwalia siding, the trucks dropped and the train crew will return immediately without contact with the station staff or the public at Gwalia.

Passengers may enter the quarantine area by train but will not be permitted to leave.