The impact of the 1918 influenza epidemic in southern La Mancha: Case study

Authors

  • José Cañabate Universidad de Murcia
  • Javier Puche Universidad de Zaragoza. Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, IA2 (UNIZAR-CITA)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33231/j.ihe.2021.02.005

Keywords:

Influenza epidemic, 1918, Hellín, Southern La Mancha, I10, I12, I18, N34

Abstract

This article analyses the effects that the 1918 influenza epidemic had on the morbidity, the mortality and on the economy in southern La Mancha. This study focuses on the municipality of Hellín (Albacete). The libros de defunciones of the Civil Registry, the matrículas de la contribución industrial y de comercio and the actas de Pleno of the Hellín City Council, constitute the main sources of study. The results show that, according to the Dupâquier Index, Hellín suffered a severe crisis of mortality associated with the influenza pandemic, which was translated into a decrease in the average age of survival of the population of Hellin. The incidence of influenza, unlike other urban contexts, was concentrated in the fall of 1918. A slight excess male mortality has been found, being the most affected the 10-39 year old group. The effects of the pandemic on the local economy, by contrast, were rather mild.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Published

2021-04-09

How to Cite

Cañabate, J., & Puche, J. (2021). The impact of the 1918 influenza epidemic in southern La Mancha: Case study. Investigaciones De Historia Económica, 17(2), 54–65. https://doi.org/10.33231/j.ihe.2021.02.005