Asian Influenza A in Boston. 1957-1958

Abstract

In the city of Boston, the pandemic of Asian influenza A was accompanied by an estimated 118 fatalities from influenza and pneumonia in excess of the norm-approximately 38 of them during the first wave in October and November, 1957, 42 in the second wave in March and April, 1958, and the remainder in the intervening months. 1 The present report summarizes the pertinent clinical, pathological, virological, and bacteriological features in 32 influenza-associated deaths in the Boston area, with particular reference to problems of diagnosis and management. Materials and Methods Cases Studied —A total of 43 fatal cases suspected of being infuenza-associated were studied, but only 32 cases are reported here—23 of them from 11 Boston hospitals, 7 from 5 hospitals in suburbs and nearby towns, and 1 each from the Newport (R. I.) and Lawrence General (Mass.) Hospitals.f One fatality (Case 11) occurred in August; twenty-eight, during October and November; one