Health & Medicine

Influenza Epidemic Devastates Western Samoa

The 1918 influenza epidemic reached Western Samoa, resulting in severe health crises. By the end of the year, the outbreak claimed the lives of 7,542 individuals, which represented about 20% of the island's population. The rapid spread of the virus was exacerbated by weak public health measures and the movement of troops during World War I. Local communities were overwhelmed by the scale of illness and loss, leading to social and economic disruptions.

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