Old Missoula

Record 30,682 Influenza Cases and Only 12 Polio Cases Reported in State Last Year

Helena (AP) – A record number of influenza cases, 30,682, were reported to the Montana Board of Health in 1957.

It was the fourth year in which the flu total exceeded the 20,000 mark. The other years were 1918, 1928 and 1932.

In a review of communicable diseases reported in Montana last year, Dr. John Glismann, the board’s disease control director, said the flu increase and a decrease in polio cases were features of the year.

Flu cases in Montana totaled 1,157 in 1956.

The 12 polio cases reported gave 1957 the fifth lowest total since 1917. There were 55 cases in 1956, 150 in 1955, 180 in 1954 and 251 in 1953.

Glismann’s report added that 1957 was the fifth consecutive year on record in which not a single case of smallpox was reported in Montana. The reported cases of diphtheria numbered 13, the third lowest annual total since 1920.

Since smallpox and paralytic polio can be virtually eliminated by a high level of immunization in both children and adults, Glismann advised a continuation of the efforts to reach 100 per cent of the population.

The above excerpt is from an article in The Daily Missoulian on January 3, 1958.

https://www.newspapers.com/image/349956352/?terms=influenza

Just as now, a virus created controversy in Montana High School athletics in 1957. Two Missoula Class AA conference football games were forfeited, allegedly allowing MCHS to win the league championship. Because of flu, Butte Central and Billings delayed their games with Missoula, but were unable to reschedule the games before November 2. As a result, Montana High School Association rules deemed that the forfeited games would count as “played” games. Butte school trustees then met and called for a “complete reorganization” of the Montana High School Association, but later backed down.

U of M football was also affected. A practice in September suffered when only 16 players showed up. By October, 250 U of M students were fighting the virus. Early local reports were that the flu was a common type, not Asian flu, however, the State Board of Health soon corrected this, stating “We don’t yet know the origin of this Asian flu. . .” State Board officer, Dr. Thompson, said there was definite evidence that Asian flu had affected 2 dozen football players. He also said Missoula was experiencing “mild” cases the flu.

In addition to the University Health Center, two floors of U of M halls were designated for flu patients; Duniway for men and North-Corbin for women. Over 30 women were hospitalized at North-Corbin by October 3rd.

By October 23rd the State Board of Health reported slightly over 9,000 cases, 4,233 in the last week, but no deaths were attributed to the virus; nor were any schools closed. Three Asian flu deaths were confirmed in Montana by December 5th.