Spanish Influenza: Devastating Impact on South Africa

the military, which in turn was the cause, the devastating affects that the Spanish influenza had on South African society. This creation of colonial trade and transport was responsible for not only the emergence of the influenza in South Africa, but then for the spread of the Spanish influenza amongst South Africans along these modes of trade and transport.

When evaluating the Spanish influenza’s impact on all of the countries in the world, it is clear that South Africa suffered the greatest per-capita death rates. Supplementary to this was the fact that South Africa was of one of the five countries in the world that were hit the hardest by the Spanish influenza. There are three significant causes for South Africa having been so devastatingly

In spite of the fact that the Spanish influenza had come to an end, the affects it exerted on the world and South Africa in particular did not diminish along with it. South Africans continued to suffer hardships even after 1919 and South Africa as a country encountered some serious setbacks.

Once the Spanish influenza had subsided, South Africa was left with its immediate aftermath that left a long-lasting print on South African society. The most prominent of these issues that South Africa faced, was what to do with and how to car for the numerous orphans and widows that were left entirely helpless. The South African government needed to find a solution that was adequate enough to resolve this conflict, while still taking into account the few resources that South Africa was able to work with.

The Spanish influenza left 6.72 percent of South Africa’s population widowed. The South African government decided to give financial support to widows who were willing to care for those who were left orphaned by the Spanish influenza. Although this was a good strategy, it was only a temporary solution as South Africa’s financial resources were limited. While measures were taken regarding the management of White South African orphans, a lack of available records on what happened to Black, Indian and Coloured orphans is an indication that not much notice was paid to their

Even once schools had re-opened, parents were reluctant to send their children back to such crowded condition until the safety of their children could be guaranteed. Aside from the broader social problems caused by the Spanish influenza, there was a great disturbance in the health of those who have been infected by the virus. These individuals found that their performance was stunted or that their health was permanently impaired. Some of the long-term side affects on the health of the individuals included heart conditions, difficulty breathing, memory loss and a loss of vision.

In conclusion, the deathly Spanish influenza that struck the world in the years 1918 to 1919 had a considerably overwhelming affect on South Africa. The Spanish influenza hit South African society with a blow and it is essential to note that the suffering continued at the same rate even after 1919. South African society was left crippled and insufficient resources further hindered the recovery process; although the Spanish epidemic ended as quickly as it emerged, its aftermath ensured that the suffering of South Africans was